Study of Anticancer Activity of Ginsenoside Rh2-containing Arginine-reduced Graphene in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg) and ginsenoside Rh2-containing arginine-reduced graphene (Gr-Arg-Rh2).

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two mice with breast cancer were divided into four groups and treated every three days for 32 days: Group 1, PBS, Group 2, Rh2, Group 3, Gr-Arg, and Group 4, Gr-Arg-Rh2. The tumor size and weight, gene expression (IL10, INF-γ, TGFβ, and FOXP3), and pathological properties of the tumor and normal tissues were assessed.

Results: Results showed a significant decrease in expression for all drug treatment groups compared with the controls (=0.04). There was no significant difference among the groups regarding and gene expression profiles (>0.05). Gr-Arg-Rh2 significantly inhibited tumor growth (size and weight) compared with Rh2 and control groups. The highest survival rate and the highest percentage of tumor necrosis (87.5%) belonged to the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Lungs showed metastasis in the control group. No metastasis was observed in the Gr-Arg-Rh2 group. Gr-Arg-Rh2 showed partial degeneration of hepatocytes and acute cell infiltration in the portal spaces and around the central vein. The Gr-Arg group experienced a moderate infiltration of acute cells into the port spaces and around the central vein. The Rh2 group also showed a mild infiltration of acute and chronic cells in portal spaces.

Conclusion: Based on the results, Gr-Arg-Rh2 can reduce tumor size, weight, and growth, TGF-β gene expression, and increase tumor necrosis and survival time in mice with cancer.