Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 5 (11-2026)
JRUMS 2026, 25(5): 445-462 |
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Ethics code: IR.ASMT.REC.1403.018
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Gholami D, Alaei L. Therapeutic Optimization of Apigenin in Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer: Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation at an Effective Non-Toxic Dose in an AOM/DSS Mouse Model. , JRUMS. 2026; 25 (5) :445-462
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7931-en.html
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7931-en.html
Amol University of Special Modern Technologies
Abstract: (67 Views)
Background and Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer. Apigenin, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties, is effective in cancer treatment. The present study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of apigenin on colon cancer through antioxidant mechanisms.
Materials and Methods: This is an experimental research, in which 60 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, including a healthy control group, a diseased control group, and four treatment groups in which colon carcinogenesis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) and two cycles of 2.5% sodium dextran sulfate (DSS). Subsequently, doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of apigenin were administered orally three times per week for six weeks. Oxidative stress markers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: At a dose of 20 mg/kg of apigenin, a significant decrease in ROS and MDA and a significant increase in the activity of SOD, GPx, catalase, and TAC were observed (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Apigenin, in an animal model of colorectal cancer, reduced oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant defense, and the dose of 20 mg/kg exhibited the lowest hepatic toxicity. Generalization of these results to humans requires further clinical studies. Incorporating dietary sources containing apigenin into diet may be proposed as an adjunctive preventive strategy.
Keywords: Apigenin, Colorectal cancer, Oxidative stress
Funding: This study was funded by Amol University of Modern Technologies.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Amol University of Special Modern Technologies approved the study (IR.ASMT.REC.1403.018).
Authors’ Contributions
- Conceptualization: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
- Methodology: Dariush Gholami
- Data collection: Dariush Gholami
- Formal analysis: Dariush Gholami
- Supervision: Dariush Gholami
- Project administration: Dariush Gholami
- Writing - original draft: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
- Writing - review & editing: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
Materials and Methods: This is an experimental research, in which 60 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, including a healthy control group, a diseased control group, and four treatment groups in which colon carcinogenesis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) and two cycles of 2.5% sodium dextran sulfate (DSS). Subsequently, doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of apigenin were administered orally three times per week for six weeks. Oxidative stress markers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test.
Results: At a dose of 20 mg/kg of apigenin, a significant decrease in ROS and MDA and a significant increase in the activity of SOD, GPx, catalase, and TAC were observed (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Apigenin, in an animal model of colorectal cancer, reduced oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant defense, and the dose of 20 mg/kg exhibited the lowest hepatic toxicity. Generalization of these results to humans requires further clinical studies. Incorporating dietary sources containing apigenin into diet may be proposed as an adjunctive preventive strategy.
Keywords: Apigenin, Colorectal cancer, Oxidative stress
Funding: This study was funded by Amol University of Modern Technologies.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Amol University of Special Modern Technologies approved the study (IR.ASMT.REC.1403.018).
Authors’ Contributions
- Conceptualization: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
- Methodology: Dariush Gholami
- Data collection: Dariush Gholami
- Formal analysis: Dariush Gholami
- Supervision: Dariush Gholami
- Project administration: Dariush Gholami
- Writing - original draft: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
- Writing - review & editing: Dariush Gholami, Loghman Alaei
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Oncology
Received: 2026/01/23 | Accepted: 2026/09/26 | Published: 2026/11/19
Received: 2026/01/23 | Accepted: 2026/09/26 | Published: 2026/11/19
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