Investigation of the effect of aloe vera on P-glycoprotein level in rats with breast damage with aluminum

Aluminum is a heavy metal that can be toxic even at low concentrations. Aluminum exposure may occur due to its use as a drug, vaccine adjuvant, cosmetic product, drinking water and food additive. The aim of this study was to determine the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) level, which is associated with response to drug treatment in chemotherapy, and to reveal possible protective effects of Aloe vera with breast damage caused by aluminum in rats. Forty-four Spraque-Dawley female rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: Control, Aluminum (100 mg/kg), Aloe vera (2 ml/kg), and Aluminum+Aloe vera groups. The experimental protocol was continued for 8 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured biochemically in breast tissue samples. In addition, P-gp expressions in tissue were determined by Western blotting. In addition to classical histopathology, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX- 2) immunoreactivity was determined in the tissue. It was found that aluminum application increased in breast tissue MDA level but decreased the GSH level and SOD activity; to increase the level of P-gp. In addition, it was also determined that it caused many histopathological changes and the presence of widespread COX-2 immunoreactivity. In the group given Aloe vera with Aluminum, it was observed that oxidative stress parameters improved, P-gp level with COX-2 immunoreactivity decreased, and histopathological changes were alleviated. As a result, it was concluded that the use of Aloe vera against breast damage caused by aluminum has positive effects.