Evaluation of Antitumor Effects of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Different Antigens on Ehrlich Solid Carcinoma in Mice

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and antigens can be used to exert valuable antitumor effects. We studied the effect of Toxoplasma lysate antigen and excretory/secretory antigens (ESAs) produced by T. gondii tachyzoites on Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC)-bearing mice by histopathology (H&E), immunohistochemistry (iNOS, VEGF, caspase 3), immunological (IFN-γ and specific anti-T. gondii IgG) and biochemical studies (redox state markers; MDA and SOD as well as apoptotic markers; BAX and BCL2). The results showed strong anti-murine ESC effect by increasing tumour necrosis and apoptosis (high caspase 3 and BAX with low BCL2) as well as decreasing angiogenesis (weak VEGF and iNOS) and by increasing oxidative stress (low SOD with high MDA). In addition, specific anti-T. gondii IgG was confirmed and high IFN-γ was detected. We concluded that ESAs could be used as an effective supplementary biotherapy in the treatment of cancer.