Protective effects of fraction 1a of polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne on thymus in tumor-bearing mice

Aim of the study: To further screen out the anti-tumor active compound of polysaccharides isolated from Solanum nigrum Linne (SNL-P), which had shown to have anti-cervical cancer and modulating properties, and evaluate the thymus protective effects of this active compound. Material and methods: SNL-P was separated and purified by column chromatography, and its anti-cervical cancer activity was evaluated by mice models injected of ascites U14 cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of fraction la of SNL-P (SNL-P1a) on the thymus tissue of tumor-bearing mice was evaluated by histological study and TUNEL staining. Finally, the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax gene were assayed by immunohistochemistry. Results: SNL-P1a has shown a marked inhibition effect on U14 cevical cancer, it restore the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subpopulation. Histological study and TUNEL staining results showed that SNL-P1a protect thymus tissue against the onslaught of tumor by inhibiting thymus lymphocyte apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry assay displayed that SNL-P1a treatment could increase Bcl-2/Bax ratio in thymus lymphocytes of tumor-bearer, which might promote more thymus lymphocytes towards proliferation. Conclusion: SNL-P1 a had significant growth inhibition effect on U14 cervical cancer and protective effect on thymus tissue of tumor-bearing mice. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.