Histopathological Alterations and Ki-67 Proliferation Index Evaluation Following Nitroso Bis Amine-Induced Cerebral Toxicity in Experimental Animal Model Treated with Curcumin

Abstract

The search for more accurate prediction of biological behavior of brain tumors in experimental neuro-oncology where non-human animal tumor models are involved has been on the increase especially as it relates to its role in evaluating various therapeutic and clinical trials using natural products with anti-cancer properties. An investigation into anti-proliferative effect of curcumin was carried out on nitroso bis amine - induced cerebral injury in animal tumor model by assessing Ki67 proliferating cell marker, necrotic focal points and histopathological alteration. Rats brain tumor models received increasing concentration of curcumin for 21 days. Immunohistochemical test included assessment of Ki-67 proliferative index, while necrotic focal points and histopathological examination was also carried out using light microscope after routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. Results show that expression of Ki-67 proliferative cell marker was significant at (p≤0.05) in sections of cerebral cortex placed on 250mg/kgbw and 500mg/kgbw of curcumin when compared to tumor control. Formation of necrotic focal points was significantly reduced and histopathological alteration restored to normal in sections of cerebral cortex following administration of curcumin. This study revealed that curcumin has the potentials to regulate expression of Ki-67 proliferative index and cause reversal in histopathological alterations associated with cancer progression in experimental neuro-oncology model.