Apigenin inhibits the proliferation of adenoid cystic carcinoma via suppression of glucose transporter-1

Apigenin is a natural phyto-oestrogen flavonoid, which exerts various biological effects, including anti‑oxidative, anti‑inflammatory and anticancer activities. In addition, apigenin has recently been reported to target hypoxic markers; however, there are currently no studies regarding the association between apigenin and glucose transporter‑1 (GLUT‑1) in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The present study investigated whether apigenin inhibits the proliferation of ACC cells or suppresses the expression of GLUT‑1 in ACC cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that apigenin inhibits ACC‑2 cell growth in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Treatment with apigenin also induced apoptosis and G2/M‑phase arrest in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. Corresponding with the above results, the expression levels of GLUT‑1 were significantly decreased following treatment in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These results suggest that the inhibition of ACC-2 cell growth by apigenin may be due to the decreased expression of GLUT-1.