The effect of nettle extract consumption and endurance training on the expression of IFN-γ and Endostatin in the liver tissues of mice with melanoma

Background: Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy that results from the transformation of pigment-producing melanocytes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nettle extract consumption and aerobic exercise on the gene expression of IFN-γ and Endostatin in the liver tissues of mice with melanoma. Methods: Twenty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups, including control, endurance, nettle, and endurance+nettle. The training program included running on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed of 16 meters per minute. The speed was increased by one meter per minute each week, reaching 22 meters per minute in the eighth week. Melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously into the left side of the mice. The experimental groups received 30 mg/kg/day of nettle ethanol extract orally for eight weeks. Real-time PCR was used to assess the expression of IFN-γ and Endostatin. Results: IFN-γ expression levels in the experimental groups were not different from the control group, while Endostatin levels were significantly reduced (p = 0.142, p <0.001, respectively). IFN-γ expression levels in the experimental groups were higher than in the control group, but did not reach a significant level. Also, Endostatin expression levels in training and combination groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.022, p <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The results showed that endurance training combined with nettle extract may inhibit angiogenesis and capillary tissue formation in the tumor tissue of mice with melanoma by increasing IFN-γ and decreasing Endostatin.