Preventive Effects of Mānuka Honey and a Honey Sugar Analogue on Breast Cancer Development: Modulation of Oxidative Stress and AKT/mTOR Signaling in a Rat Model
Manar Usama, Al-Shimaa M. Abas, Heba A.H. Abd ElhameedIntroduction:
Worldwide, breast cancer is one of the top cancers diagnosed on a global scale. Mānuka honey (MH) and honey sugar analogue (HSA) are being studied for their potential to prevent breast cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 60 Female albino rats were classified into six groups. Group I (negative control group). Group II (MH): rats were administered MH (1.0 g/kg) daily via an oral tube for 120 days. Group III (HSA): rats were administered HSA (1.0 g/kg) daily via an oral tube for 120 days. Group IV (DMBA): rats were treated with a single dose of DMBA (80 mg/kg) via oral tube to induce breast cancer. Group V (DMBA + MH) & Group VI (DMBA + HSA): rats were treated with MH (1.0 g/kg) and HSA (1.0 g/kg), respectively, via oral tube, then received a single dose of DMBA the next day, and treatment with MH & HSA continued until 120 days.
Results:
Oral administration of MH and HSA improved most hematological parameters. Additionally, we also found a significant suppression in Estradiol (E2) and a clear decrease in caspase- 3, MDA, and mTOR) values in mammary gland tissue samples compared to DMBA-induced rats. Furthermore, BRCA1 expression was increased in both MH and HSA groups, and a marked downregulation of AKT was observed in our treated groups. Our findings were supported by histopathological examination of mammary gland tissue.
Discussion:
This study highlights the potential of daily oral administration of MH and HSA to exert antioxidant and antitumor effects and to modulate apoptosis-related signaling pathways in DMBA-induced rats.
Conclusion:
MH and HSA demonstrated promising chemopreventive and protective effects against DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis, warranting further studies to evaluate their potential role in breast cancer prevention.