Inhibition of human breast carcinoma by BLC(Sargassum fulvellum) and BLC/HEN Egg in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Much of the interest on the chemopreventive properties of herbs and plants has been raised,whereas little is regarding to anti-tumor effect of farming and aquatic products. In the present study,the anti-tumor effect of hot-water extract of a seaweed, BLC (Sargassum fulvellum) and BLC/HEN egwas investigated using MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo systems. We found that the BLC extract andup-regulation of p53. Furthermore, this test compound can directly induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells,which might be mediated through up-regulation of a pro-apoptotic Bax protein and down-regulation ofa anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, not by immune system. Nude mice bearing established breast tumors (withexogenous estradiol) were treated with BLC extract and BLC/HEN egg. Treatment BLC extract and BLC/HEN egg caused a 42% and 71% inhibition of tumor growth, respectively. Both agents caused a significantinhibition of volume and weight growth of estrogen independent human breast tumors established fromMCF-7 cells. Our results suggested that BLC extract and BLC/HEN egg have the efficacious effect ofhuman breast cancer not only in vitro but also in vivo.