• Effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia on induced oxidative stress by Arsenic in colorectal cancer
  • Aida Heidari,1,* Mohammad Hassan Emami,2 Samane Mohammadzadeh,3 Safoora Mohammadzadeh,4
    1. 1-Poursina Hakim Digestive Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , 2- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
    2. Poursina Hakim Digestive Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
    3. Poursina Hakim Digestive Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
    4. Poursina Hakim Digestive Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran


  • Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and fourth most leading cause of cancer mortality among men and women, respectively. Carcinogenic heavy metals, such as arsenic (As), are considered to be the major global public health problem and are correlated with various cancers, in particular colorectal cancer. Inorganic arsenic has been among the earliest cancer-causing agents in humans. Consequently, particular attention has been focused on plants with anti-cancer properties such as Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) to reduce the carcinogenicity of carcinogens. This review discusses the anti-carcinogenicity effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia L on As toxicity in CRC.
  • Methods: The electronic database were searched through the search words "Arsenic", "Elaeagnus angustifolia ", "oxidative stress", and "colorectal cancer". Only English articles have been included.
  • Results: As in the form of arsenite (As3+) or arsenate (As5+), triggers tissue damages and tumorigenesis in the CRC by generation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species, ROS), inflammation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and activation of signaling pathways related to tumor promotion and progression. As- induced oxidative stress plays important roles in toxicity and carcinogenicity of arsenic, either directly or indirectly. Arsenic inhibits dehydrogenase and stimulates the activity of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase via the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and therefore inhibits the formation of ATP during glycolysis. Furthermore, arsenic stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-12 in the plasma. Oleaster is a traditional herbal medicinal that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer properties. The active components of Elaeagnus angustifolia are flavonoids, phenolics, polysaccharides, amino acids, saponins, carotenoids, vitamins (tocopherol, carotene, vitamin C, thiamine B1), minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese), and tannins. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds exhibited antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities through the release of electrons and scavenge the free radicals. Natural polyphenols, implicated in the defense against oxidative stress, and reduce the risk for many cancers. Polysaccharides have antioxidant activities that induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis through down regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, Tannins, terpenoids and lignanoid and bezenoid have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and chemopreventive effects. Anticancer, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Oleaster may reduce As-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in colorectal malignancy.
  • Conclusion: Oleaster has anticarcinogenic effect on As toxicity in CRC because of its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Keywords: Arsenic, Elaeagnus angustifolia , oxidative stress, colorectal cancer