Immunomodulatory Effect of Nuciferine on Benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P)-induced Lung Cancer: A Preclinical Model

ABSTRACT

Background: Lung cancer is a deadly type of cancer and is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths in both males and females worldwide. The number of lung cancer cases has risen worldwide due to a growing population of smokers and an increase in environmental pollutants. Objectives: The current study was dedicated to studying the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activities of nuciferine against B[a]P-induced lung cancer in mice. Materials and Methods: The lung cancer was initiated in BALB/c mice by challenging them with B[a]P for 4 weeks. The post- and pre-treatment of 25 mg/kg of nuciferine was given to the B[a]P-challenged mice. The mice’s body weight, lung weight, tumor incidences, and tumor numbers were tabulated. The biochemical markers, immunoglobulins (Igs), phase-I and -II detoxification enzymes, and mitochondrial enzyme activities were assessed using standard techniques. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and the tumor biomarkers were evaluated using the assay kits. The histopathological analysis was conducted in the lung tissues of the experimental mice. Results: Both post- and pre-treatment of nuciferine successfully increased body weight and reduced lung weight, tumor incidence, and tumor numbers. The nuciferine treatment effectively regulated the levels of biochemical parameters and Igs. Furthermore, the nuciferine treatment modulated the phase-I and -II enzymes, tumor biomarkers, mitochondrial enzymes, and inflammatory cytokine levels. The histopathological findings also proved the efficacy of nuciferine against lung cancer. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that nuciferine exhibits both immunomodulatory and chemopreventive properties against lung cancer in mice. Therefore, it is evident that nuciferine possesses chemopreventive properties against lung cancer and can potentially enhance chemotherapy treatments.

KEYWORDS

• Benzo(a)pyrene
• immunoglobulins
• lung carcinogenesis
• nuciferine
• mitochondrial enzymes

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• DOI10.1177/09731296251318787Copy

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