Determination of apoptotic markers in Ehrlich solid tumor

1 ABSTRACT Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biochemical Sciences Candidate: Natália Murínová Supervisor: Doc. PharmDr. Iva Boušová, Ph.D. Supervisor specialist: Mgr. Kateřina Caltová, Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: Determination of apoptotic markers in Ehrlich solid tumor One approach to improve efficacy of anti-cancer drugs is their combination with natural compounds, e.g. sesquiterpenes. The mechanism of action of sesquiterpenes is based also on the activation of apoptosis. The aim of this diploma thesis was to determine the effect of selected sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene oxid (CAO) and trans-nerolidol (NER) on the efficacy of classical cytostatic drug doxorubicin (DOX) on Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) cells in both in vivo and in vitro models. Determination of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic markers as well as the activities of caspases 2, 3 and 7 in given models was also performed. Expressions of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic molecules were examined using western blot analysis. The activities of caspases 2, 3 and 7 were measured using the luminescence test. Metabolic activity of cells was evaluated by the MTT test. The mice with inoculated EST cells were treated with DOX + CAO, DOX + NER and DOX alone and tumor growth was monitored. In both models, increased..