Enhancement of cyclophosphamide-induced antitumor effect by a novel polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum in sarcoma 180-bearing mice

J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Apr 27;59(8):3707-16. doi: 10.1021/jf1049497. Epub 2011 Mar 22.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the enhancement of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide (PSG-1) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced antitumor effect in sarcoma 180 (S-180)-bearing mice. Results showed that both CTX and PSG-1 delayed tumor growth and resulted in tumor apoptosis. The combined regimen was superior to either modality alone. Moreover, the combined treatment-induced apoptosis was mediated via mitochondrial pathway, as evidenced by alterations of Bcl-2 family proteins, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ(m)), cytochrome c release, and caspases activation. Our results also showed that thymus and spleen indexes, lymphocytes proliferation, and concentrations of cytokine in the CTX group were decreased, which were alleviated by PSG-1. Additionally, the combined treatment ameliorated oxidative stress as compared with CTX alone. Taken together, we conclude that PSG-1 improved the antitumor effect of CTX, possibly in part mediated by enhancing the induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways, activating host immune function, and modifying the redox system in S-180-bearing mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclophosphamide / pharmacology
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Ganoderma / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use*
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polysaccharides
  • Cyclophosphamide