Objective: To investigate the therapeutic and antioxidative effect of Boschniakia rossica extract (BRE) combined with vinorelbine (NVB) chemotherapy in VX2-bearing rabbits. Method: The VX2 transplanted rabbit model was established and the rabbits were divided into 4 groups: model

BRE

NVB

BRE+NVB (BRE combined with NVB). Animals in BRE and BRE+NVB groups were treated with 100 mg ·kg-1 ·d-1 BRE i.g. for 21 days from the 8th day

and animals in NVB and BRE+NVB groups were treated with 2.5 mg ·kg-1 ·d-1 NVB i.v. twice on the 15th and 22st day. Then the size and weight of tumor were estimated and the growth inhibition ratio was calculated. The expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein was determined with immunohistochemical method

and the serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

catalase (CAT)

glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)

total antioxidant activity (TAOC)

as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by colorimetric method. Result: The administration with BRE and/or NVB inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor and the proliferation of tumor cell

while the BRE+NVB group showed the highest growth inhibition ratio and the lowest proliferation index. Furthermore

NVB treatment increased serum MDA content and reduced serum levels of SOD and TAOC despite of the increased activities of CAT and GSH-Px. However

BRE or BRE+NVB treatment increased the serum SOD

CAT

GSH-Px and TAOC

and reduced the serum MDA level in VX2-bearing rabbits. Conclusion: BRE exhibits an inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted VX2 tumor

and enhances the therapeutic effect of NVB chemotherapy

probably via the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and the improved antioxidative capability.