Abstract
The presented study aims to investigate the beneficial role of melanin for cancer treatment. Moreover, the study aims to assess the concentration of trace elements of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr) in cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of rat's liver and their role in liver cancer. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5 each). Group 1 was taken as normal group. The other groups was treated with DEN and 2-AAF to induce liver cancer. Group 2 was taken as cancerous group. Group 3 after one month it was treated with a single dose of melanin (0.1 g/kg body weight) and animals were sacrificed post one week of melanin treatment (0.1 g/kg body weight) Group 4, it was treated with a single dose of melanin (0.1 g/kg body weight) along with Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) and 2-Acetylaminofluorine (2-AAF) treatment. Liver and blood were taken from all studied groups. Elements have measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP- MS). The concentration of ingredients was found to be higher in cancer tissues than that of normal. All measured parameters indicating a remarkable improvement in all liver parameters after melanin treatment. Melanin showed that various sources exhibit significant antioxidant activities, and owing to its antioxidant ability reducing DNA damage and oxidative stress by creating a cap cover round the nucleus. It has a role in a stabilization of plasma membrane as well as repair of hepatic tissue damaged caused by the concentration of trace and heavy elements.