Effect of a radiosensitiser,withaferin a,on the free radical metabolising enzymes of neutrophils, in carcinoma of uterine cervix subjected to radiotherapy

Radiosensitisation influences the enzymes of free radical metabolism.These enzymes are also a part of the respiratory burst mechanisms. Withaferin,an active component obtained from the dried root extracts of withania somnifera(ashwagandha),showed radiosensitising effects in animals. Hence, a study of the respiratory burst enzymes namely NADPH oxidase,Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione,Glutathione peroxidase,Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and Superoxide dismutase were undertaken in leukocytes of patients with carcinoma of uterine cervix, which would perhaps aid in the understanding of radiosensitising mechanisms of Withaferin and increase the therapeutic outcome in cancer patients. Blood samples were collected from stage IIIB carcinoma of uterine cervix patients(n=20), before starting treatment(baseline),after 15 days and after 30 days of treatment with RT and Withaferin. Age and sex matched controls(n=25)were also considered for comparison. A significant decrease in NADPH oxidase was observed in baseline samples of cancer patients when compared to controls. Except for this variation, there was no change in the activities of other enzymes, when cancer patients were compared to controls or when baseline values were compared with that of follow up samples, in case of patients. This study therefore implies that radiosensitising actions of withaferin may not be mediated through free radical metabolism.