Effects of Enoxaparin Emulsion on Dimethylbenzanthracene-induced Breast Cancer in Female Rats

Background : Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant medication. Anticoagulation inhibits tumor cell–mediated release of angiogenic proteins and diminishes angiogenic response. Angiogenesis is an important event in various cancers such as breast cancer. Angiogenesis provide oxygen and nutrients to tumor cells and causes tumor progression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-angiogenesis effect of an enoxaparin cream on breast cancer induced by dimethylbenzanthracene in rats. Methods: In this experimental in vivo study, 50 Wistar female rats were divided into negative control (vehicle), positive control (cream base), and 3 groups with enoxaparin treatment (40, 60, and 80 mg/ml). After one month of treatment along with breast cancer induction by dimethylbenzanthracene, breast tissue samples were isolated and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and tumor growth suppression rate was calculated. Tumor size (length and width) was measured using a clipper, and the tumor volume was calculated using the following formula: V = (L × W × W)/2, where V is tumor volume, W is tumor width, L is tumor length. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Tumor suppression was significantly increased in enoxaparin treatment groups compared to the positive control group (40 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated Vs positive control group; P=0.017, 60 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated Vs positive control; P=0.015, 40 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated  Vs positive control; P=0.009, 60 mg/ml  of enoxaparin treated Vs 40 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated; P=0.019, and 80 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated Vs 40 mg/ml of enoxaparin treated; P=0.011)  in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Enoxaparin inhibits breast cancer in a dose-dependent manner. The application of enoxaparin cream in patients with breast cancer may considerably reduce tumor growth.