This invention belongs to the field of
biomedical technology, specifically relating to the application of 5,6-
dimethylbenzimidazole in the preparation of drugs for treating
colorectal cancer. Through this invention, it was found that 5,6-
dimethylbenzimidazole can significantly inhibit the proliferation,
colony formation, and migration of
colorectal cancer cells in a concentration-
dependent manner. In an
in vivo tumor-bearing model, it inhibits
tumor growth and reduces the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67, and shows no significant organ
toxicity to the liver,
spleen, and kidneys of mice, indicating that 5,6-
dimethylbenzimidazole has good safety. Furthermore, its specific
mechanism of action was explored in depth. 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole may exert its anti-tumor effect by regulating the HMOX1 / GPX4 related pathway, upregulating HMOX1 and downregulating GPX4, promoting
ferroptosis in
colorectal cancer cells and transplanted tumors.