Anti-tumor effect of C-phycocyanin from Anabaena sp.ISC55 in inbred BALB/c mice injected with 4T1 breast cancer cell

This study investigated anti-tumor effect of C-phycocyanin from Anabaena sp.ISC55 on breast cancer in inbred BALB/c mice; 50 adult BALB/c inbred mice with injection of 4T1 breast cancer cell line were examined. Animals were classified into six groups of treatment and control. Two doses of phycocyanin were considered in the treatment groups; the main dose was 10-mg/kg body weight, and the second dose was 150-mg/kg body weight. Paclitaxel was used at a dose of 100.0-mg/kg body weight as comparative control drug. Microscopic examination on mammary tissue after 14 days in the treatment group with high dose of Anabaena phycocyanin (concentration of 150 μL) revealed histopathological regression of tumor (p < 0.05), with plenty of apoptotic cells in epithelium of the mammary ducts. In contrast, mice in group with low dose of Anabaena phycocyanin showed mild mononuclear cell infiltration in to the mammary tissue. There were few nests of epithelial cells with moderate mitotic activity and pleomorphism. In the paclitaxel group, mild inflammation in connective tissue with rare apoptotic cells, low mitotic activity, and moderate pleomorphism of tumor cells were seen. The present study suggested that high dose of phycocyanin as an effective anti-tumor product can potentially reduce proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in tumor cells. So it is useful to develop a new way for the treatment of cancer. © 2016, Springer-Verlag London.