[Effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the progression of orthotopically xenotransplanted human breast cancer in nude mice and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the inhibiting effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the growth and angiogenesis of orthotopically xenotransplanted human breast infiltrating duct carcinoma in nude mice.

METHODS

A total of 15 female nude mice having received xenotransplanted human breast infiltrating duct carcinoma were randomly divided into 3 groups. Ginsenoside Rg3 (5 mg/kg, qd), cyclophosphamid (26 mg/kg, qod) and control solution (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, qd) were given to each group by gas-trogavage in 0.5 ml volume for 56 days. Breast cancer masses were collected for light microscope observation. The intra-tumoral microvessel density (MVD) and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were examined by immunohis-tochemical staining.

RESULTS

The tumor weight of CTX group was significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05), and the comparison between those of Rg3 group and control group was nearly reaching significant level. The MVD and VEGF of Rg3 group by immunohistochemical staining were significantly lower than those of control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Rg3 could inhibit the growth and angiogenesis of xenotransplanted human breast infiltrating duct carcinoma in nude mice.