Dose-dependent role of novel agents emodin and BTB14431 in colonic cancer treatment in rats.

BACKGROUND: BTB14431 is an in silico homolog to emodin. Both were found to possess anti-tumor effects in vitro. The aim of this work was to analyze the tumor suppressing effects of both molecules in an intraperitoneal (ip) and intravenous (iv) treated rat model (WAG-Rij).

METHODS: A tumor cell suspension (CC531) was applied at the cecum after laparotomy and at the back. The rats where treated twice a day over 1 week with BTB14431, emodin and isotone sodium chloride solution (control). Treatment was applied iv or ip in a variety of dosages. Peripheral blood samples were taken before tumor application and on day 7. Twenty-one days after the last day of therapy animals were euthanized and tumor growth was evaluated.

RESULTS: Data showed an insignificant decrease of tumor growth after iv and ip treatment with low doses of BTB14431 and emodin. Differential blood analysis showed apoptosis. Increased doses of emodin clearly raised mortality rate.

CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis was verified but no tumor-suppressing effects could be observed for iv and ip treatment with both agents in contrast to in vitro studies in our model. Establishing a successful ip treatment model for emotion and BTB14331 requires further studies.