Effects of Azadirachta indica on certain hematological parameters during benzo(a)pyrene induced murine forestomach tumorigenesis

S.C. Gangar*§, R. Sandhir**, A. Koul*

*Department of Biophysics and **Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh (India) §Current affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, 80045 (USA)

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• Oncology

Abstract. – Objectives: Exposure to environmental toxicants/carcinogens, the process of carcinogenesis itself and cancer treatments lead to several secondary pathologies including hematological complications. Considering versatile pharmacological potentials of Azadirachta indica (A. indica), the present study was designed to evaluate its effects on certain hematological parameters in benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] induced murine forestomach tumorigenesis bioassay protocol.
Methods and Results: For tumor induction, starting from 3rd week of experimentation, female Balb/c mice received B(a)P intragastric instillations (40 mg/kg bwt) twice a week for 4 weeks. Aqueous A. indica leaf extract (AAILE) was orally administered (100 mg/kg bwt) using blunt-tipped canula on alternate days throughout experimentation. The study was continued for 24 weeks and certain hematological parameters were examined at 4 week intervals. In mice receiving only B(a)P, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes and monocytes decreased whereas neutrophils increased when compared to controls. However, A. indica reversed these alterations as seen in mice that received AAILE along with B(a)P when compared to only B(a)P receiving mice. In only AAILE receiving mice, increased Hb, RBCs, WBCs, lymphocytes and monocytes with decreased neutrophils were observed in comparison to control. Also, changes in eosinophils and basophils upon B(a)P exposure and their modulation by AAILE was observed.
Conclusions: These findings strongly suggested the favorable effects of A. indica on hematological parameters studied and their significance with respect to overall well being, process of tumorigenesis and its chemoprevention have been discussed in the current research manuscript.

Corresponding Author: Ashwani Koul, Ph.D; e-mail: ashwanik@pu.ac.in, drashwanikoul@yahoo.co.in