Background: Colorectal carcinoma is the third most common type of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. The aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins that play a major role in water movements through epithelial and endothelial tissues. Expression of AQP5 was induced in the early stages of colon cancer. An induction of AQP5 expression in colon cancer suggests a probable driving force roles for AQP5 in colon carcinogenesis. Curcumin, as a chemopreventive phytochemical is important to block, retard or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. Several studies have suggested that curcumin may prevent or delay the occurrence of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the effect of curcumin on the inhibition of AQP5.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the HT-29 cell line was cultured in DMEM medium containing 10 % FBS and 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 mg/ml streptomycin. The effect of curcumin concentrations on the growth of cells was determined using the MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to examine the effect of curcumin on the expression of AQP5.

Results: Immunocytochemistry showed the decreased amount of AQP5 protein in the curcumin-treated cells.

Conclusion: Curcumin inhibits the expression of AQP5 in human colorectal cancer cell line, HT-29. The inhibition of AQ5 expression may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.