ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate whether oral supplementation of melatonin [30mg/kg b.wt] and cell protect [150mg/kg b.wt] has a protective effect against the complications of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in adult female mice. Our results revealed that Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells affect the antioxidant defense system so that the levels of serum zinc and selenium were significantly diminished. Highly significant increase in plasma lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentrations was observed in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice. Liver functions were greatly affected by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Highly significant increase in ALT, AST, AP and bilirubin was observed, whileas, a significant decrease in total protein and albumin content was detected. Total lipid, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C were significantly increased in the serum of at tacked mice. In addition, tumor markers in terms of alpha-fetoprotein and ferritin were markedly increased. Melatonin or cell protect supplementation prior to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell implantation produced pronounced prophylactic action against the damaging effect of tumor cells. This appeared from the significant increase in serum zinc and selenium with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentration in the pretreated mice. As a result, the liver functions and consequently the lipid profile were greatly improved. Also, the protective effect of melatonin and cell protect was assessed by the significant increase in the survival rate of the pretreated mice