IHAZA SHALOM OSAKPOLOR

Colon cancer is the second most common cancer for women and the third most common for men. Its morbidity and mortality are increasing as it is the second largest cause of death related to cancer in the developing countries. In this study, the effects of Arachis hypogaea seeds on 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis was examined. Four (4) groups of wistar albino mice were used. While the other groups were induced with DMH, group one (1) acted as the positive control group and was fed a normal diet. Group two (2) was induced with DMH only, across a 12 week period. Over the course of a 12-week period, group three (3) was induced with DMH and fed Arachis hypogaea diet. Group four (4) underwent a six-weeks DMH induction procedure before being administered Arachis
hypogaea diet following the induction. The outcome revealed that twelve weeks of subcutaneous induction of DMH in group 2 significantly increased the total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration levels in colon, liver and kidney when compared to the control (Group 1). However, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the colon, liver and kidney was significantly reduced following the induction of DMH for twelve weeks when compared to the control. Conversely, the antioxidant parameters showed a significant increase in group 3 and and group 4 that were fed Arachis hypogaea diet when compared to group 2. Histological studies revealed normal colon architecture in group 1 but presence of many neoplastic crypts and glands irregular in shape in group 2. In group 3 and group 4 that received Arachis hypogaea diet, histology revealed pronounced inhibition of crypts and hyperchromasia. Overall, the Arachis hypogaea diet was able to reduce the negative effects of DMH on the colon, liver and kidney