Cannabinoid Receptor-1 Up-regulation in Azoxymethane (AOM)-treated Mice After Dietary Treatment with Quercetin
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane AOM and Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: September 11, 2012
Valeria Tutino1, Valentina DE Nunzio1, Angela Tafaro2
1Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology-Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
Background/Aim:
The expression of cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1-R) seems to be modulated by bioactive natural components such as the flavonoid quercetin. The aim of this study was to determine in an animal model of induced-colon cancer, whether quercetin inhibits colon carcinogenesis through changes in the expression of CB1-R.
Materials And Methods:
C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to standard diet or experimental diet supplemented with 0.5% quercetin. Azoxymethane (AOM) (10 mg/kg body weight) or saline solution (PBS) was intraperitoneally injected, once weekly for 6 weeks.
Results:
The diet supplemented with quercetin induced CB1-R gene expression and protein, inhibiting the protein levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 (both mediators of cell proliferation). Dietary quercetin also caused a significant increase in Bax/Bcl2 ratio protein expression.
Conclusion:
The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of quercetin in AOM-treated mice are mediated by induction of the protein and gene expression levels of CB1-R.
Related Concept Videos
Dietary Connections
GTPases and their Regulation
Large G-proteins,...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements

