The effect of consumption nettle extract and aerobic training on MMP2 and FGF2 gene expression in mice with melanoma

Cancer is one of causes of death in the world that resulting  of abnormal cells growth  in the body.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nettle extract consumption and aerobic exercise on MMP2 and FGF2 gene expression in mice with melanoma.

20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including: control, aerobic, nettle and aerobic + nettle. The training program included running on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed of 16 meters per minute. One meter per minute was added every week until it reached 22 meters per minute in the eighth week. The experimental group consumed 30 mg / kg / day of nettle ethanol extract orally for 8 weeks. RT PCR was used to measure the expression of MMP2 and FGF2 genes.

Data analysis showed that consumption of nettle extract and endurance training did not have a significant effect on MMP2 and FGF2 gene expression in different groups (p = 0.064, p = 0.405, respectively). Although a decrease in MMP2 and FGF2 gene expression was observed in nettle and hybrid groups; but it did not reach a significant level.

The results showed that nettle may reduce angiogenic activity and cancer prognostic factor in mice with melanoma.