Study on the antineoplastic and toxicological effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf infusion using the K14-HPV16 transgenic mouse model

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Yu, MY (Author) Other; Gouvinhas, I (Author) Other; Pires, MJ (Author) Other; Neuparth, MJ (Author) Other; da Costa, RMG (Author) Other; Rui Medeiros (Author) ICBAS; Margarida Bastos (Author) FEUP; Vala, H (Author) Other; Felix, L (Author) Other; Venancio, C (Author) Other; Barros, AIRNA (Author) Other; Oliveira, PA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Food and Chemical Toxicology

Vol. 174

ISSN: 0278-6915

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-2CF

DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113689

Abstract (EN): Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) has been used in functional foods due to its various health benefits. However, the in vivo biological potential of its leaf remains little known. This study has aimed to characterize the anti-neoplastic and toxicological properties of using pomegranate leaf infusion (PLI) on transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 oncogenes. Thirty-eight mice were divided into 3 wild-type (WT) and 3 transgenic (HPV) groups, with exposure to 0.5% PLI, 1.0% PLI, and water. The animals' body weight, drink and food consumption were recorded. Internal organs, skin samples and intracardiac blood were collected to evaluate toxicological parameters, neoplastic lesions and oxidative stress. The results indicated that PLI was safe as no mortality, no behavioural disorders and no significant differences in the levels of microhematocrit, serum biochemical markers, internal organ histology, and oxidative stress was found among the WT groups. Histo-logical analysis revealed that HPV animals that consumed PLI exhibited reduced hepatic, renal and cutaneous lesions compared with the HPV control group. Low-dose PLI consumption significantly diminished renal hydronephrosis lesions and relieved dysplasia and carcinoma lesions in the chest skin. Oxidative stress analysis showed that low-dose PLI consumption may have more benefits than high-dose PLI. These results suggest that oral administration of PLI has the potential to alleviate non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions against HPV16-induced organ and skin injuries, though this requires further scientific research studies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11