Synergistic and individual effects of umbelliferone with 5-fluorouracil on tumor markers and antioxidant status of rat treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies worldwide. Early diagnosis of the progressive tumor disease and control of the effect of therapy in colorectal carcinoma are most frequently performed.MethodsThe purpose of this present work was to evaluate the synergistic responses of a novel chemopreventive combination regimen namely 5-FU and natural coumarin family, UMB to assess the serum tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 for colorectal carcinoma is described according to recently formulated guidelines, in addition of antioxidant and lipid peroxidation status in the serum of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced rat colon carcinogenesis.ResultsAdministration of DMH resulted in decreased serum levels of antioxidants such as GST, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH and lipid peroxidation end products such as TBARS, LOOH and CD with concomitant increase in the levels of colon cancer specific serum markers like CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 levels. Administration of UMB alone and combined forms of UMB with 5-FU to the colon cancer-bearing rats significantly attenuated these alterations which indicates the anticancer effect that was further confirmed by histopathological analysis.ConclusionsOverall, these findings substantiate the synergistic potential of UMB with 5-FU against chemically-induced colon cancer in rats.