Inhibitory effect of the partially purified protein from Raphnus sativus roots and low-molecular-weight heparin on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice

A partially purified protein from the roots of Raphnus sativus (R. sativus) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were tested for their abilities to inhibit the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC) intraperitoneally implanted in albino mice. 90 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups. The antitumor effect of the partially purified protein and LMWH were assessed by estimating serum transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Also, tumor volume, median survival time (MST), and total lipids, DNA and RNA in liver tissues, liver function tests and the redox status were estimated. Serum TGF-β1 & VEGF levels were highly significantly increased (p < 0.005) in the tumorized mice compared to control group and restored to their normal levels after treatment with LMWH and the purified protein (p < 0.005). Also, the erythrocytes content of glutathione (GSH) were showed to be highly significantly decreased (p < 0.005) in tumorized groups compared to control groups and significantly increased after treatment with LMWH and the purified protein (p < 0.05). In tumorized mice, the median survival time (MST) was 12.25 ± 2.5 days, while, MST of tumorized mice treated with the purified enzyme and LMWH were 19.00 ± 4.69 and 15.75 ± 4.11 days and the increase in life span percent were 155.1% and 128.6% respectively. It can be concluded that, the partial purified protein from the roots of R. sativus and the LMWH have anti-angiogenic activity against EAC cells in Swiss albino mice.