Detection of antitumoral effects of quercetin through protein synthesis associated with argyrophilic nucleolar-regulating region

Abstract

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with potential anticancer properties without significant cytotoxicity in normal tissues. However, the effects of quercetin on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) have not yet been clarified. The study aimed to show the antitumoral effect of quercetin through argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) protein synthesis in mice carrying EAC. Thirty mice were used in the experiment (negative control (n = 6), tumor control (n = 8), quercetin 50 mg/kg (n = 8), and quercetin 100 mg/kg (n = 8) intravenously). The animals were euthanized on the 14th day, and the solid tumors were removed. Then, the total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and average AgNOR number were calculated for each mice and the immunoreactivity of the factor VIII protein in tumor was evaluated. Tumor volumes and animal weights were statistically significant compared to the tumor control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of TAA/NA ratio (p < 0.05). Factor VIII expressions decreased in quercetin groups compared to control tumor tissue (p < 0.05). The current study showed that quercetin has an important function against cancer development. © The Author(s) 2020.