In vivo assessment of imoxide and diluted vitamin C’s inhibitory effects on cervical cancer in mice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran

4 Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Community Medicine, MMS.C. Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

6 Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

7 Medical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

8 Department of Research and Development of Biological Products, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran

9 Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2026.93220.20105

Abstract

Objective(s): Cervical cancer, the fourth most common malignancy among women, is strongly associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Emerging evidence suggests that hydrogen peroxide, alongside standard therapies, may enhance treatment. This study investigated the effects of Imoxide (0.5% hydrogen peroxide compound) and diluted vitamin C on tumor growth in the TC-1 papillomavirus mouse model. 
Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 100 mg/ml vitamin C was assessed using the MTT assay on TC-1 cells. Six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish TC-1 tumor models in groups by grafting. Mice were divided into seven groups: intratumoral (IT) control, intraperitoneal (IP) control, IP Imoxide, IT Imoxide, cisplatin, IP vitamin C, and IT vitamin C. Tumor size was measured every other day. Histopathological analysis and real-time PCR were conducted to evaluate gene expression (P53, P21, BAX, BCL-2). 
Results: Dilutions of 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁴ of hydrogen peroxide resulted in cell survival rates of 53.7% and 58.8%, respectively. Imoxide markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, in some groups exceeding cisplatin. Histological findings showed limited apoptotic features. Gene-expression analysis revealed no statistically significant differences after multiple-testing correction.
Conclusion: Imoxide substantially suppressed tumor growth in the murine model; however, modulation of apoptosis-related genes was minimal, suggesting that non-apoptotic pathways may contribute to its antitumor effects.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 29, Issue 6
June 2026
Pages 971-978

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