Background: Berberine represents a promising supplement with several health benefits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of berberine in reducing mammary carcinoma induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzaanthracene (DMBA) in female mice. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 virgin female mice were segregated into four groups: an untreated control group, a group treated with a daily oral dose of berberine (BBR) extract (25 mg/kg), a group injected with a single dose of 50 mg/kg DMBA in the breast fat pad, and a group treated with DMBA, similar to the third group. After 1 week of injections, the animals were treated with BBR extract, as in the second group. Results: Animals treated with DMBA for mammary carcinoma induction showed increases in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), kidney biomarkers (BUN, UA, and CRT), and an oxidative stress marker (MDA). Meanwhile, DMBA also promoted a decrease in the antioxidant marker (GSH) and a minor elevation in estrogen levels. Conversely, the progesterone levels increased significantly, along with those of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)). The histopathological analysis revealed carcinoma cells in the breast tissue, with a marked desmoplastic response. Meanwhile, the uterus showed hyperplasia and dysplasia of endometrial epithelia. The immunohistochemical analysis for Ki-67 expression revealed an intense immunoreaction associated with carcinoma proliferation in the breast. In contrast, the treatment with BBR extraction one week after the induction of mammary carcinoma by DMBA resulted in a significant decrease in liver enzymes and kidney biomarkers, as well as a reduced MDA level and a higher GSH level due to oxidative stress reduction, along with a variance in female hormone levels and a decrease in cytokines. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis showed a decline in the occurrence of carcinoma and desmoplastic response in the breast, as well as less hyperplasia and dysplasia of endometrial epithelia, and a lower incidence of Ki-67 expression in the breast. Conclusion: This study observed that berberine extract possessed a potent effect in reducing the mammary carcinoma induced by DMBA in female mice.
Elnagar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.