In vivo Evaluation of the Anticancer Efficacy of Polysaccharide Extracted from the Fruiting Bodies of Pleurotus Ostreatus

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP) on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells both In vitro and In vivo. In vitro analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in EAC cell viability with increasing concentrations of POP, with pronounced cytotoxic effects observed at concentrations exceeding 150 μg/mL. In vivo studies demonstrated that POP treatment significantly extended lifespan and mitigated tumor-induced weight loss compared to untreated EAC groups. Furthermore, POP treatment exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on tumor growth, as evidenced by reductions in tumor weight and volume. Hematological and biochemical analyses indicated that POP treatment reversed tumor-induced alterations in hematological parameters and ameliorated biochemical markers associated with cellular damage. EAC and EAC+Bleomycin decreased hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelet count, while EAC increased white blood cell count. Conversely, POP(4xIC50) caused slight increases in these parameters, suggesting milder cellular damage. On the other hand, the elevated levels of CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT, ALP, Creatinine, and BUN indicated cellular damage in groups treated with EAC, EAC+Bleomycin, and POP(4xIC50) compared to normal. These markers suggested myocardial, tissue, liver, bone, and kidney damage, highlighting the adverse effects of these treatments on cellular health and organ function. Histological examination revealed a protective effect of POP on cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, suggesting its potential in preserving organ function. These findings underscored the therapeutic potential of POP in targeting cancer cells and mitigating tumor-induced physiological and pathological changes.