Biobran/MGN-3, Arabinoxylan Rice Bran, Ameliorates the Liver Architecture in Ehrlich Ascites Tumor-Bearing Mice as a Cotreatment with Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Hepatic metastases are a leading cause of mortality in gastrointestinal cancers, often exacerbated by the limited efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics. Biobran/MGN-3, a rice bran-derived arabinoxylan, has shown promise in sensitizing cancer cells to paclitaxel. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the hepatoprotective potential of Biobran/MGN-3 in a murine model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). METHODS: Female Swiss mice inoculated with EAC were treated with paclitaxel (10 mg/kg) and Biobran (40 mg/kg) concomitantly for 30 days. Tumor volume along with liver function enzymes were quantified, and hepatic tissue was examined using Masson's trichrome staining, histopathology, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Biobran administration significantly reduced tumor volume and liver enzyme levels, indicating improved hepatic function. Collagen deposition around hepatic capillaries was markedly diminished. Histological analysis revealed restoration of normal lobular architecture, while ultrastructural examination showed enhanced nuclear integrity, bile duct morphology, and cytoplasmic organelle preservation. Notably, Biobran activated Kupffer cells to target neoplastic cells infiltrating hepatic parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Biobran/MGN-3, in combination with paclitaxel, confers substantial hepatoprotective effects in EAC-bearing mice, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical adjunct in cancer therapy.