The influence of dichloromethane fraction of Phyllanthus amarus leaf ethanol extract on some cytokines, antioxidant and apoptotic biomarkers in Swiss albino mice treated with 1–2 dimethylhydrazine

Phyllanthus amarus is traditionally used for various diseases and ailments. Earlier literatures indicated the potency of this plant in ameliorating hepatitis, malarial, diabetes and inflammation. This research focused on the influence of Dichloromethane fraction (DCM) of Phyllanthus amarus leaf ethanol extract on some cytokines, antioxidant and apoptotic biomarkers in mice induced with colon carcinoma. Twenty-five mice with weight 21–25 g were utilized in a 90-day study (12 weeks). The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group 1(Control) group 2(20 mg/kg DMH + 250 mg/kg DCM fraction of P. amarus), group 3(20 mg/kg DMH + 350 mg/kg DCM fraction of P.amarus), group 4(20 mg/kg DMH + 450 mg/kg DCM fraction of P.amarus) and group 5 (20 mg/kg DMH). They were given feed and clean water ad-libitum and lighting (12-hour light/dark cycle). I, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered orally for eight weeks (3 times a week). The extract was administered for 28 days (once daily) with the aid of a gavage immediately after colon cancer induction. Colon cancer was evaluated by the formation of aberrant crypt foci in the colon of DMH treated mice. The results for antioxidant parameters showed decrease in the activity of SOD in group 2 and 5. The activity of CAT in control was significantly different from groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 at P < 0.05. Invariably, 450 mg/kg DCM fraction was able to increase the activity of CAT close to that of the control group. MDA level was not significantly altered across all plant treated groups except DMH treated. No significant difference was observed in GSH and GPx activity across all groups. On cytokine activity; when compared to control, IL-6 concentration was not significantly altered for plant treated groups but DMH treated. While IL-10 activity was significantly different in groups 2 and 5 at P < 0.05. For TNF-α concentration, there was no significant difference within the control and plant treated groups except 450 mg/kg DCM fraction and DMH treated groups. No significant difference was observed in TP-53 across all the groups, DMH treated had the least concentration. For Cas-3 and 9 activity, control was significantly different from DMH treated and 250 mg/kg DCM fraction. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration of control was significant different from DMH treated. The investigation thus emphasized that DCM fraction of P.amarus influenced cytokines as well as apoptotic biomarkers against 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinoma in mice.