Immunomodulatory and Chemo preventive activity of Bacillus subtilis sulphated Levan

Aim: To investigate the possible immunomodulatory and chemopreventive effects of a bacterial polysaccharide drug (Bacillus subtilis sulphated Levan; BSL) for prevention of tumor development through antipromotion and antiprogression effects in vivo studies. The antipromoting effect of BSL, was assessed by estimating different aspects of such activities ;tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level, apoptotic and necrotic cell damage, DNA fragmentation, nitrous oxide (NO) and COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) levels. Antiprogression mechanism was evaluated through recording of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and histopathological examination. In addition, BSL was also compared with garlic which is known as a natural compound with chemopreventive action. Results No significantly elevation in the NO or TNF-α levels were recorded when compared with control on receiving BSL, while, garlic possessed lower significant inhibitory effect. Apoptosis and necrosis states were induced as a mode of cell death. It was concluded that BSL was a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic agent. Furthermore, a significant DNA fragmentation inhibition (insignificant lesser extent and decrease in VEGF level was determined by recieving BSL and garlic. Also, histopathological examinations showed that, BSL maintained nearly normal liver architecture and inhibited hepatocellular preneoplas induced by the cancer promoting material used in the experiment (diethylnitrosoamine) (DEN). Conclusion, BSL activity as anti-tumor agent due to its antipromotion and antipropagation actions was proved. [Faten S. Bayoumi, azza M.El Amir, El Deeb S.O, Hassan Abd el Zaher,Haiam S.A. Immunomodulatory and Chemo preventive activity of Bacillus subtilis sulphated Levan. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):2846-2856] (ISSN:10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.418