Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract Modulates Type 1 T Helper (TH1) and Regulatory T Cell-Related Immune Responses in an Animal Model of Breast Cancer

• Published in: Iranian journal of immunology Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 132
• Main Authors: Yousefi, Soheila, Basirjafar, Pedram, Zandvakili, Raziyeh, Masoumi, Javad, Zainodini, Nahid, Khorramdelazad, Hossein, Gheitasi, Mahsa, Jafarzadeh, Abdollah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research 30-06-2024
• Subjects: Animal models; Breast cancer; Foxp3 protein; Immune response (cell-mediated); Immunomodulation; Interleukin 12; Lymphocytes T; Transforming growth factor-b; Tumors; γ-Interferon; Glycyrrhiza Glabra; Mice; Regulatory T Cells; TH1 Cells; Cytokines; Breast Cancer
• ISSN: 1735-1383; 1735-367X; 1735-367X
• DOI: 10.22034/iji.2024.101133.2735

It is well-known that TH1 and Treg cells exert anti- and pro-tumorigenic activity, respectively. Thus, TH1 cell suppression together with Treg cell hyperactivation contribute to tumor development. Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) has various immunomodulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties.
To explore the impacts of G. glabra extract on different parameters related to TH1 and Treg cells using a breast cancer (BC) model.
Four groups of Balb/C mice bearing 4T1 cell-induced BC were treated intraperitoneally with either saline or G. glabra extract at dosages of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg (G. glabra-50, G. glabra-100, and G. glabra-150, respectively). After sacrificing animals on day 26, the frequency of splenic TH1 and Treg cells, the levels of serum IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-12, and intra-tumoral expressions of granzyme-B, T-bet, and FOXP3 were assessed.
Compared to untreated tumor control (UTC) group, treatment with G. glabra-50, G. glabra-100, or G. glabra-150 increased the survival rate, percentage of TH1 cells, and T-bet expression. Conversely, they reduced the percentage of Treg cells, and serum TGF-β levels. In comparison to the UTC group, treatment with G. glabra-50 and G. glabra-150 increased the serum IL-12 levels. Treatment with G. glabra-100 and G. glabra-150 boosted granzyme-B expression. Treatment with G. glabra-150 elevated IFN-γ levels, while treatment with G. glabra-50 decreased the FOXP3 expression. IL-12 levels were higher in mice treated with G. glabra-150 compared to those treated with G. glabra-100.
Treatment of mice with BC using G. glabra extract improved survival rate, reduced tumor growth, and modulated T cell-mediated immune responses.