Evaluation of Therapeutics Efficacy of C-Phycocyanin and Gemcitabine Combination in Pancreatic Carcinoma Using a Nude Mouse Model

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its aggressiveness and limited treatment options. The incidence of pancreatic cancer is substantial ranging from 4.0 to 5.0 cases per 100, 00 individuals in both men and women. this study investigate the therapeutic potential of C-phycocyanin, a pigment derived from Spirulina platensis, alone and in combination with gemcitabine standard chemotherapy drug in a nude mouse model of pancreatic carcinoma using MiaPaCa-2 cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Athymic nude mice divided into seven groups, each consisting of five animals, including disease control group and treatment group with varying doses of C-phycocyanin (150mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg), gemcitabine (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) and a combination of C-phycocyanin (150 mg/kg) and gemcitabine (50 mg/kg). Biochemical estimations were performed to evaluate antioxidant parameters, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), MDA, SOD NO and tumor growth delay. RESULTS: the results revealed significant reductions in tumor weight and volume in the treatment groups compared to the disease control group. Higher doses of C-phycocyanin demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in tumor weight, with 500 mg/kg showing the most significant reduction. Combining C-phycocyanin (150 mg/kg) with gemcitabine (50 mg/.kg) further enhanced the reduction in tumor weight, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Moreover, C-phycocyanin treatment lea to dose-dependent decrease in TGF-beta levels and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reducing nitric oxide levels. CONCLUSION: The combination of C-phycocyanin and gemcitabine shows results in reducing tumor burden and enhance the anti-oxidant activity in pancreatic cancer, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for this aggressive malignancy.