Possible therapeutic role of Curcuma longa extract against colon cancer experimental model

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) methanolic extract against colon cancer-induced in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male rats were classified into 5 groups. Group (1) was control. Groups from (2) to (5) were intrarectally injected with N-methylnitrosourea for induction of colon cancer then group (2) was left untreated (cancer group); group (3) was treated intraperitoneally with 5-fluorouracil, while, groups (4 and 5) were treated orally with 437.5 mg/kg and 875 mg/kg of turmeric extract respectively. Histological investigation of colon tissue was done. Colon β-catenin and K-ras gene expression was detected by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical technique was used for estimation of colon COX-2 and survivin expression. Plasma TGF-β and Bcl-2 and serum CEA and CCSA-4 levels were assayed using ELISA procedure. Results: Histopathological investigation of colon tissue sections in cancer group showed dysplasia and anaplasis in the lining epithelial cells of the glandular structure. While, treatment with 5-fluorouracil or turmeric extract showed marked improvement in the histological structure of colon tissue. Cancer group showed significant increase in the expression level of β-catenin and K-ras genes. While, all treated groups showed significant decrease in the expression levels of these genes. Colon cancer group showed significant increase in colon COX-2 and survivin expression. On the other hand, all treated groups exhibited marked decrease in COX-2 and survivin expression. Colon cancer group showed significant elevation in the studied biochemical markers. In the contrary, all treated groups showed significant reduction in these markers. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Curcuma longa methanolic extract, in the above mentioned doses, has a promising therapeutic role against colon cancer induced in rats as it has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferation and apoptotic effects.