Effect of <i>Taraxacum officinale</i> extract on PI3K/Akt pathway in DMBA-induced breast cancer in albino rats

Abstract

Level of CA15-3 was normalized in DMBA group administered TOE for 4 weeks. Administration of DMBA increased expression of <i>Pdk1, Akt1, Pik3r1, Map3k1, Erbb2 and PIk3ca</i> Treatment with TOE normalized the up-regulated mRNA for all examined genes except <i>Pik3ra</i> that was up-regulated. Mammary gland tissues of DMBA group showed excessive proliferation of lining epithelium of acini and ductules with hyperchromatic nuclei with excessive immunostaining of Bcl2 in the proliferated epithelium that was ameliorated by TOE administration. In conclusion, TOE regulated PI3K and Akt pathways involved in suppression of breast cancer growth and proliferation. TOE is effective as anticancer herbal agent.