Inhibition Effects of Compatibility of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma and Combination with Cisplatin on Orthotopic Tumor in Nude Mice Bearing Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract:

Objective: To study the anti-tumor effects of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma on the growth of transplanted human hepatocarcinoma in nude mice and its combinative effect with cisplatin(DDP). Method: Human hepatocarcinoma cells HepG2 were transplanted into nude mice to form the model, and the modeled mice were divided at random into 8 groups:model group, cisplatin(DDP) group (intraperitoneal injection with 2 mg·kg^-1 DDP), high dosage of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhisoma (H)(intragastric administration with 12 g·kg^-1·d^-1 physic liquor), intermediate dosage of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma (M) (intragastric administration with 6 g·kg^-1·d^-1physic liquor), low dosage of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma (L) (intragastric administration with 3 g·kg^-1·d^-1 physic liquor), high dosage and cisplatin group(H+DDP), intermediate dosage and cisplatin group(M+DDP), low dosage and cisplatin group(L+DDP), 8 in each group. The effect of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma on Transplantation tumor and combinative effect with DDP were observed. Expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Wascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in transplantation tumors were determined by immunohisto chemical method with an image analysis system. Result: The tumor weight and volume were (1.28±0.21)g and (1 065.42±275.63)mm³ in H, (1.61±0.28)g and (1 398.77±358.75)mm³ in M, (1.65±0.27)g and (1 419.28±405.17)mm³ in L, all significantly lower than those in model group (2.19±0.30)g and (1 866.21±433.49)mm³, (P<0.05,P<0.01). The tumor weight and volume were (0.48±0.19)g and (381.86±273.14)mm³ in H+DDP, (0.83±0.29)g and (704.09±386.52)mm³ in M+DDP, (1.01±0.31)g and (827.75±424.58)mm³ in L+DDP.H+DDP group was significantly lower than DDP group(P<0.05). Contrary to the model group, expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF protein were significantly down-regulated by H, M, L, H+DDP, M+DDP and L+DDP group(P<0.05,P<0.01). Conclusion: Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma can inhibit the growth of human hepatocarcinoma in nude mice and the inhibition effect was positive correlation with dosage. The combination of Astragali Radix, Curcumae Rhizoma and DDP showed synergistic action and additive chemotherapeutic effect.