Luteolin and 5-flurouracil act synergistically to induce cellular weapons in experimentally induced Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma: Realistic role of P53; a guardian fights in a cellular battle

Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma (SEC) is an undifferentiated tumor used in tumor studies and chemotherapy investigations. to assess the anti-tumor potential of luteolin when used either alone or combined to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against SEC. SEC was induced in 40 female mice; they were categorized into 4 equal groups; group I (untreated SEC), group II (5-FU treated SEC), group III (luteolin treated SEC) and group IV (5-FU + luteolin treated SEC). Tumor volume and weight were calculated. P53, p21, caspase 3 and damage regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM) were assessed. Biomarkers of oxidant/antioxidant status in addition to immunohistochemistry for cylin D1 were evaluated. Results: combined administration of luteolin and 5-FU in SEC model increased levels of p53, p21, caspase 3, DRAM and survivability while, tumor volume, weight, thioredoxin reductase one (TR1) activity and cyclin D1 expression showed the reverse with restoration of oxidant/antioxidant indices. Conclusion: current results proved the antitumor therapeutic effects of luteolin alone or combined with 5-FU as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. [Display omitted] •Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma is an undifferentiated tumor used in tumor studies and chemotherapy investigations.•P53 regulates cell cycle progression through induction of apoptosis at the G1/S checkpoint.•DRAM, a lysosomal protein, is one of p53-targeted genes and has a crucial role in autophagy process.•Luteolinco-administration with 5-FU is one of the best alternatives for cancer therapeutic strategies.•This novel formulation could possibly overcome the current limitations of 5-FU and can open a new avenue for cancer therapy.