Investigation of the protective efficacy of medicago sativa extract on cancerous breast tissue in rats with breast cancer caused by DMBA(7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene)

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. While the etiopathogenesis of breast cancer remains unclear, environment, reproductive and hormonal status, age, breast density, alcohol and cigarette use, genetic mutations and genetic polymorphisms are among the predisposing factors. With the prevalence and emergence of multidrug resistance, nonspecific systemic distribution of anti-tumor agents, insufficient drug concentrations reaching the tumor site, cytotoxicity, and limited ability to monitor therapeutic responses, cancer treatment has become an increasingly challenging and incurable disease (Sofi, 2018). . To overcome this problem, new strategies are being studied that can assist in cancer treatment or treatment. Due to its similarity to human breast cancer, the experimental breast cancer model created in rats is a highly preferred method (Samy, 2006). 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is an immunosuppressor and a potent laboratory carcinogen specific to a particular organ (Miyata, 2001). DMBA-induced mammary carcinomas in female rats have become standard in laboratory models of mammary carcinogenesis (Russo, 1996). DMBA is a synthetic hydrocarbon that is widely used as a prototype agent in mutation and cancer research because the biochemical, molecular, genetic and histopathological changes that occur in rats as a result of DMBA use are similar to those observed in human cancers (Sung, 2005). It is frequently used in rodents to investigate the effectiveness of DMBA in breast cancer (White, 2022). DMBA is both carcinogenic and immunosuppressive, and studies have shown that it successfully induces breast cancer (Zeweil, 2019). Medicinal and aromatic plants are plants used primarily as medicine to cure and prevent diseases and maintain health (Anonymous, 2005). Since plants that are beneficial to human health have therapeutic properties, they are used in the production of herbal medicine (Aydın, 2004). Phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity have properties such as cleaning, blocking and reducing free radicals formed in the body. Phenolic compounds prevent biomolecules from being oxidized by free radicals (Burda, 2001). Medicago sativa is a forage plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. They are perennial herbaceous plants that commonly grow in Mediterranean countries and can also adapt to harsh winter conditions (Farag, 2007). People benefit from the phytochemicals in the plant to protect the immune system against many diseases. These phytochemicals have been identified as lignans, isoflavones, coustanes (Jacobs, 2009). The most abundant phytochemical in Medicago species is isoflavone, and this phytochemical is widely used in medicine with its antimicrobial and antifungal properties (Javid, 2015). In the last two decades, research has focused mostly on naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds. Many studies have shown that these compounds have beneficial effects in preventing cancer (Khan, 2008). It is known that the biological effects of flavonoids are effective against tumor cells that develop due to induction of apoptosis (Limtrakul, 2005; Ramos, 2007). It is known that Medicago sativa reduces the effects of many diseases (some types of cancer, coronary, osteoporosis, anemia, diabetes, ulcer) thanks to its high vitamin and protein content (Jian, 2009). It has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases for approximately 1500 years. Bora and Sharma reported in their studies that it has numerous pharmacological properties (Bora, 2011). Clover leaf extracts have been shown to have antiproliferative properties when induced by apoptosis and successfully treat different tumor cells (Gatouillat, 2015). Flavonoids such as Medicarpin and Millepurpan, found in the essence of Medicago sativa leaves, have been reported to be used successfully in the treatment of cancer types that are resistant to multiple drug treatments (Gatouillat, 2014). The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Medicago Sativa extracts on DMBA-induced breast cancer in female rats using biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and TUNEL staining methods.