Comparative Effect of African Walnut Oil and Docosahexaenoic Acid on, Cancer Antigen C15‐3, Biochemical and Histopathological Markers of Female Wistar Rats With 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐Induced Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT This work compares the effect of African walnut oil and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on cancer antigen C15‐3 (CA15‐3), biochemical, and histopathological markers of rats with 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced (DMBA) breast cancer. 18 rats with tumor were randomized into three groups of six rats each: The negative control, the positive control, and test group that respectively received distilled water (250 mg/kg), DHA (125 mg/kg) and African walnut oil (1000 mg/kg) by gavaging every day for 28 days. The six rats that were not induced served as normal group. After sacrifice, blood was collected and centrifuged to obtain the serum on which the breast cancer antigen CA15‐3 level, the lipid profile, serum enzymes, and creatinine levels were measured. Organs were collected for histopathological studies. Results showed significantly higher HDL levels in groups taking DHA and African walnut oil. African walnut oil and DHA also significantly decreased the CA15‐3, Aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine levels of rats compared to the negative control group. They also exhibited a protective effect on organs against the DMBA. African walnut oil and DHA have protective effects and may help in the management of breast cancer if added to the diet.