Effect of niclosamide on colorectal cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in albino mice

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent cancer worldwide, and its incidence has increased in recent years. 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a carcinogenic alkylating agent that causes tumors in various organs, particularly the distal colon. Niclosamide (Nic) disrupts oxidative phosphorylation and lowers ATP levels in tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Nic against DMH-induced CRC in male albino mice through histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. The study involved subcutaneous injections of DMH at a dose of 15 μg/g administered twice weekly for six weeks, alone or in combination with Nic injections of 20 mg/kg twice weekly for six weeks. The colorectal paraffin slides were subjected to histopathology and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) immunostaining, and colorectal homogenate samples were used to measure the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).The results indicated that Nic injections reduced collagen deposition and AIF staining intensity in paraffin slides and decreased MDA content and 8-OHdG levels in tissue homogenates.These findings suggest that Nic injections may have an anti-CRC effect.