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Published on: October 27, 2015
Food restriction inhibits the growth of intestinal polyps in multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse
Masakazu Kakuni1, Keiichiro Morimura, Hideki Wanibuchi
1Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.
Abstract:
The effect of food restriction (FR) on spontaneous intestinal carcinogenesis in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice was examined. Thirty male Min mice were allotted to ad libitum feeding control and 20% FR groups from six weeks of age until the end of the 13-week experimental period. Although the total number of visible intestinal polyps in the FR group was not significantly different from the control group value, a significant decrease in large-sized polyps (>2 mm) and an increase in small-sized polyps (< or =2 mm) were observed in the distal small intestine. In this segment, the percentage of apoptotic cells counted in intestinal polyps in the FR group was significantly higher than in the control group, the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells not being significantly different. These results indicate that the FR may inhibit the growth of intestinal polyps in the Min mouse, and that apoptosis contributed in part to the inhibitory effect.
Insights
Food restriction (FR) in mice with intestinal polyps reduced large tumors but increased small ones. Apoptosis played a role in this inhibitory effect on polyp growth.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Spontaneous intestinal carcinogenesis is a complex process.
- The multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mouse model is widely used to study intestinal polyps.
- Dietary interventions like food restriction (FR) are being explored for their potential effects on cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 20% food restriction (FR) on spontaneous intestinal polyp development in Min mice.
- To determine if FR influences polyp size distribution and cellular processes like apoptosis and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty male Min mice were divided into two groups: ad libitum feeding and 20% food restriction.
- Mice were monitored for 13 weeks.
- Intestinal polyps were counted, measured, and analyzed for apoptotic and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the total number of intestinal polyps between FR and control groups.
- A significant decrease in large polyps (>2 mm) and an increase in small polyps (<=2 mm) in the distal small intestine of the FR group.
- A significantly higher percentage of apoptotic cells in polyps from the FR group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Food restriction may inhibit the growth of intestinal polyps in Min mice.
- Increased apoptosis in intestinal polyps is a contributing factor to the inhibitory effect of food restriction.
