Evaluation of the Effects of Arachis hypogaea and 5-Fluorouracil on Biochemical and Histological Parameters in 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Mice

Abstract The established link between environmental and lifestyle factors and colorectal cancer necessitates continuous investigation into potential chemopreventive agents. This study evaluated the effect of Arachis hypogaea seeds and a standard drug, 5-fluorouracil, on the biochemical and histological parameters in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis in mice (Mus musculus). Twenty-eight mice used for this study were divided into seven groups of 4 mice each. 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight, and peanut was incorporated into the diet at a 20% level. Group 1 (control) mice were maintained on normal feed. Group 2 and 3 mice were maintained on normal feed and administered DMH once weekly for 12 and 6 weeks, respectively. Group 4 mice were administered DMH and a peanut-supplemented diet for 12 weeks. Group 5 mice received DMH weekly and a normal diet for the first 6 weeks, and a peanut-supplemented diet for the next 6 weeks. Group 6 mice were administered DMH and 5-fluorouracil for 12 weeks. Group 7 mice were maintained on only a peanut-supplemented diet for 6 weeks before being administered DMH. Results showed that DMH significantly (p ≤ 0.05) elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in colon tissue (1.38 ± 0.54 nmol/mg), which was reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05 by peanut supplementation and 5-fluorouracil treatment. Notably, Group 7 exhibited the lowest MDA levels (0.05 ± 0.03 nmol/mg). DMH administration also significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels, which were reversed by peanut supplementation. Histological analysis confirmed carcinogenic alterations in the colonic mucosa of DMH-treated mice, while a peanut-supplemented diet mitigated these changes. These findings suggest that Arachis hypogaea seeds exert a protective, anticarcinogenic effect against DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis, supporting their potential as a dietary chemopreventive agent. Keywords: 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, antioxidant enzymes, Arachis hypogaea, colon carcinogenesis, oxidative stress