Abstract

ANTIPROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF QUERCETIN ON HepG2 CELL LINE INDUCED LIVER CANCER IN RATS

V. Uma Rani*, M. Sudhakar, A. Ramesh and B.V. S. Lakshmi

ABSTRACT

The wide use of natural food-derived antioxidants is receiving greater attention as potential anti-carcinogens. Among flavonoids, Quercetin is considered an excellent free-radical scavenging antioxidant. In present study antiproliferative activity of Quercetin was evaluated on HepG2 cell line induced liver cancer in rats. For the purpose of this study, 30 rats were divided into 5 groups and each group containing 6 rats each. Group I- normal saline treatment for 45 days, Group II- cancer cells (1×106 cells in 0.1ml/rat), Group III– 5-Fluorouracil (20mg/kg + 1×106 cells in 0.1ml/rat), Group IV- Quercetin (25mg/kg + 1×106 cells in 0.1ml/rat), Group V- Quercetin (50mg/kg + 1×106 cells in 0.1ml/rat). After 24 h of tumor inoculation intraperitoneally, Quercetin was administered daily for 45 days. After administration of last dose followed by 18 h fasting, rats were sacrificed for observation of antiproliferative activity. The change in body weight, body circumference of tumor bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in hematological profile, serum (TC, TG, TP, ALP, SGPT, GGT, TB and glucose) and liver biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, GSH and antioxidant enzymes-CAT, GPx) were estimated. The changes in tissue enzymes-Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, Hexokinase, Succinate dehydrogenase and CytochromeP450 levels were also estimated. The Quercetin maitaintained the body circumference and body weight of proliferation bearing rat. Hematological profile reverted towards normal levels in Quercetin treated rat. Treatment with Quercetin restored serum biochemical parameters towards normal levels and decreased levels of lipid peroxidation and increased levels of reduced glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPx). The Quercetin treatment restored Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, Hexokinase, Succinate dehydrogenase and CytochromeP450 levels in proliferation induced rat. The Quercetin exhibited antiproliferative effect by modulating hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in proliferation bearing rat.

Keywords: Quercetin, HepG2 cell line, antiproliferative effect, antioxidant activity.