International Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Full Length Research Paper

Antiproliferative effect of Lactobacillus helveticus and gamma radiation on the mammary carcinogenesis

Mohga S. Abdalla¹; El Sayed M.E. Mahdy¹; Eman N.Ali²; Sawsan M. EL-Sonbaty³ Menna A.Hussien¹

¹Chemistry, Science College, Helwan University, Egypt.

²Biology, National Center of Radiation Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt.

³Microbiology, National Centre of Radiation Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 11 July, 2013

Abstract

Immunotherapy play important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Low dose of gamma radiation also probiotics and fermented foods activate immune functions leading to tumor growth delay. This study aimed to investigate the role of milk fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus and low dose of gamma irradiation (0.25 Gy) in the protection and treatment of mammary tumor cells. Fifty six female rats were divided into 7 groups (n=8): Group 1: control, Group 2: received fermented milk with L. helveticus (FM), group 3: whole body rats exposed to gamma radiation, group 4: rats i.p. injected with 17β-estradiol (E2), group 5: rats received FM for 15 days, then injected with E2 and continued receiving FM, group 6: rats exposed  to gamma radiation and injected with E2, group 7: rats received FM for 15 days, exposed to gamma radiation and injected with E2 while receiving FM.  The results of this study showed that E2 induced negative effects on immune and antioxidant parameters, showed a reduction in CD4, CD8 count, GSH level, GPx, CAT and SOD activities as well as an increase in the proliferation marker Ki-67. In addition, hyperplasia appeared in the histological examinations of mammary tissue epithelium. Milk fermented by L. helveticus and combined treatment of fermented milk and low dose of gamma radiation significantly increased CD4 and CD8 count, ameliorated GSH level, GPx, CAT and SOD activities and reduced ki-67% , showing normal histological mammary gland tissue compared to the control. This study demonstrated the immunoregulatory, antioxidant capacity of milk fermented by L. helveticus and low dose of gamma radiation in preventing carcinogenic effect of E2 on breast tissue and restoration tissue of histological texture.

Key words: Estradiol, low dose gamma radiation, CD4, CD8, Ki-67, antioxidant parameters, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide.