Increased IL-6 Levels Inhibites by Zinc and Melatonin Support in Rats with Breast Cancer induced by DMBA

The aim of the present study determines the effect of zinc and melatonin supplementation on IL-6 levels in female rats with breast cancer induced by DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene). Total 42 wistar female rats which was just weaned from milk equally separated 5 groups. Group 1 control, Group 2 DMBA control, Group 3 DMBA+Zinc, Group 4 DMBA+Melatonin, Group 5 DMBA+Zinc+Melatonin. To induce breast cancer, the animals, except those in group 1, were administered 80 mg/kg of DMBA in colza oil (canola) through gavage. The groups which were supplemented with zinc and melatonin were introperitoneally given 5 mg/kg/day of zinc, melatonin and zinc+melatonin for 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken under general anesthesia to tube with EDTA, and IL-6 levels were determined by ELISA. The highest IL-6 levels were determined in the DMDA control group (p<0.05). DMBA + zinc and DMBA+ melatonin groups were had lower IL-6 levels compared to group 2 (p<0.05). Group 5 has the lowest IL-6 levels compared to all breast cancer induced groups (G 2,3,4) (p<0.05). The results of the present study indicate that increased IL-6 levels in breast cancer inhibites by zinc and melatonin. However, the most significant inhibition was seen in combine of zinc and melatonin (group 5). The combined administration of zinc + melatonin may contribute to the prevention of tumoral growth by suppressing IL-6 levels, which can accelerate cancer development.