PDGF-β and IL-18 Expressions on Carcinoma Cervical by Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cervical cancer, along with lung and breast cancer, is one of Indonesia's most aggressive gynaecological diseases. <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> has antioxidant and antiproliferative properties that could be developed into herbal medicines for molecular therapy. The IL-18 and PDGF-β are tumour-promoting agent proteins that may be therapeutic targets for a variety of cancers that were investigated in this study. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Rats were classified into five groups: Group C- is the control group, Group C+ is the cancer model group and Group RHO200 is the <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> 100 mg<sup>1</sup> b.wt., rat group, Group RHO400 is the <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> 200 mg<sup>1</sup> b.wt., rat group and Group RHO400 is the <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> 400 mg<sup>1</sup> b.wt., rat group. The rats were dissected 30 days after receiving <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i>. Immunohistochemistry is used to stain cervical tissues. <b>Results:</b> The expression of IL-18 and PDGF-β was significantly different (p<0.01). The IL-18 and PDGF-β were most abundant at the lowest <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> doses (100-200 mg kg<sup>1</sup> b.wt.), while they were least abundant at the 400 mg kg<sup>1</sup> b.wt., doses. Histological analysis revealed that the highest dose of IL-18 and PDGF-β expression reduced abnormal tissue and the space between tumours, followed by several carcinoma cells that stopped growing. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</i> can be used as a herbal therapy to reduce the expression of PDGF-β and IL-18 (two cancer marker agents).