Research - Carcinosinum
Phenotypic Changes in Mammary Adenocarcinoma (4T1) cells In Vitro after Treatment with CarcinosinumThaís Cristina da Silva, William Alves dos Santos, Sandra A.G. Pinto, Paulo Ricardo Dell'Armelina Rocha, Elizabeth Cristina Perez Hurtado,
Leoni Villano Bonamin
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to identify possible phenotypic changes in 4T1 (murine mammary adenocarcinoma) cells in vitro, including viability, HER-2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-type 2) expression, and metastatic potential, after treatment with Carcinosinum in different homeopathic dilutions (12cH, 30cH, 200cH) shaken mechanically in pure, sterile, water from a commercial stock dilution.
Methods Treated cells were cultured in R10 medium, using 24-well plates, 105cells per well, and treated with vehicle, Carcinosinum 12cH, 30cH or 200cH; untreated cells were used as the baseline control. After 24 hours of treatment, the percentage of apoptotic cells was analyzed by annexin V. Cell morphology was evaluated by microscopy after hematoxylin-eosin and Giemsa staining, whilst HER-2 expression was assessed using immunocytochemistry. The metastatic potential was determined by the expression and activity of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) using zymography. The cytokine profile was established using the cytometric bead array method.
Result Treatment of 4T1 cells in vitro with Carcinosinum 30cH produced an increase in the number of annexin V-positive cells (apoptosis) and decreased expression of proactivated MMP-9. Cells treated with Carcinosinum200cH presented hyper-expression of HER-2 on the plasma membrane, identified by immunocytochemistry. There were no differences in cytokine production among treatments.
Conclusion The data show promising results for Carcinosinum 30cH in vitro, but in vivo studies are also required to evaluate the role of tumor microenvironment in its effects.
Source : Journal Homeopathy
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Homeopathic remedies with antineoplastic properties have immunomodulatory effects in experimental animals
Valsalakumari Remyaa, Girija Kuttan
Amala Cancer Research Centre, Affiliated to the University of Calicut, Amala Nagar P.O., Thrissur, Kerala, India
Abstract
Highlights
- •Potentized preparations of Thuja, Carcinosinum and Ruta exhibit immunomodulatory activity.
- •Immunomodulation might be a means by which their pharmacological actions are being accomplished.
- •The effects were most pronounced for higher potencies compared to lower ones.
- •The drugs can serve as non-toxic, antineoplastic immunomodulators in malignant conditions.
Background
Our previous work suggests that Thuja occidentalis, Carcinosinum and Ruta graveolens have antineoplastic properties. The mechanism of this action has not previously been studied. We studied the hypothesis that the mechanism of action is through the immune modulation.
Methods
We evaluated the effects of Thuja occidentalis, Carcinosinum and Ruta graveolens 1M, 200c and 30c on the immune system of Balb/c mice. The homeopathic preparations were administered orally for ten consecutive days. Haematological parameters (Total White Blood Cell (WBC) Count, Differential Count and Haemoglobin content), haematopoietic parameters (bone marrow cellularity and α-esterase positive cells) and immune parameters for antibody response and lymphoid cell proliferation were assessed using standard methods. Results were analysed by statistical comparison with the control.
Results
We observed significant enhancement of haematological parameters including total WBC count, haematopoietic parameters such as bone marrow cellularity and the number of α-esterase positive cells, other parameters of immune response such as circulating antibody titre and the number of plaque forming cells (PFC), particularly with higher dilutions of Thuja and Ruta. Enhanced proliferation of B and T lymphoid cells was also observed. No toxic effects were observed.
Conclusions
The results suggest immunomodulatory activity of homeopathic preparations in high dilution. This may be a mechanism through which homeopathic preparations act.
Source : Journal Homeopathy
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