# AB-Flu nanodrug combined with exercise intervention enhances ROS-mediated antitumor effects in melanoma

## TL;DR

Combining AB-Flu nanodrugs with exercise improves melanoma treatment by reducing tumor hypoxia and increasing cell death.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates a novel combination of nanodrugs and exercise to enhance melanoma therapy through ROS-mediated tumor cell apoptosis.

## Key findings

- Combination therapy achieved 56% tumor growth inhibition, significantly higher than monotherapies.
- Combination therapy reduced tumor hypoxia and increased tumor cell apoptosis.
- ROS levels were significantly elevated in the combination therapy group.

## Abstract

This study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of AB-Flu nanodrugs and exercise intervention on enhancing the antitumor effects in melanoma by improving the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). The focus is on evaluating how this combination influences reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, inhibition of melanoma in vivo.

An intact B16F10 melanoma mouse model was established, and mice were divided into four groups: control, AB-Flu treatment, exercise intervention, and combination therapy (AB-Flu + exercise). AB-Flu nanodrug was administered intraperitoneally, while exercise was facilitated by a weighted swimming intervention. Tumor growth, tumor hypoxia, ROS levels, and apoptosis were analyzed through tumor volume measurements, histological staining, and ROS detection assays. The antitumor effects of different treatments were compared.

The combination therapy group showed the most significant tumor inhibition efficacy with tumor growth inhibition rates of 56%, compared to 30% for the AB-Flu monotherapy group and 41% for the exercise group. Additionally, tumor tissues from the combination group exhibited significantly lower levels of hypoxia and enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. ROS levels were substantially higher in the combination therapy group compared to other groups, indicating that the combination of AB-Flu and exercise synergistically elevated ROS production, which may contribute to increased tumor cell apoptosis. No significant toxicity was observed in major organs.

The combination of AB-Flu nanodrugs and exercise intervention significantly enhances the antitumor effects in melanoma by improving the hypoxic TME, elevating ROS levels, and promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. This strategy may offer a potential approach for melanoma therapy.