Interest is growing in finding natural sources of effective
antitumor agents that generate fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Avenanthramides (Avns) are such compounds; these phenolic molecules naturally occur in oats and have
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects making them worthy of further research. The aim of this study is to characterise Avns' curative ability and
antineoplastic activity on solid-form Ehrlich
tumors. For the study, 75 female mice were randomly and equally allocated to five groups (group 1-control, group 2-
DMSO, group 3-positive control receiving Avns, group 4-mice with Ehrlich solid
tumor, and group 5-Ehrlich solid
tumor treated with Avns). Mice with Ehrlich solid
tumors exhibit increased
tumor volume; elevated expression of AFP, ALT, AST, Bcl2, CEA,
cholesterol,
creatinine,
urea, MDA,
PCNA,
potassium,
triglycerides, TNF-α, and NF-κB; and a concomitant decline in
catalase, GSH, P53, and SOD. In the mice with Ehrlich
tumors who received Avns, there appeared to be improvement in NF-κB TNF-α,
tumor markers (AFP and CEA),
electrolytes, liver and kidney function
enzymes, and
lipid profiles; reduced MDA level; improved
antioxidant parameters; normalised liver
protein, P53, and
PCNA; and reduced Bcl2 expression. Pathological examination of
tumor lesions also indicated improvement. These results suggest that Avns exhibit
antineoplastic activity and possess
antioxidant properties that enhance the
antioxidant defence system, thus reducing the oxidative stress caused by Ehrlich solid
tumors.