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Anthocyanin-rich extracts inhibit multiple biomarkers of colon cancer in rats
Geeta Lala1, Minnie Malik, Cuiwei Zhao
1Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemoprotective activity of anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), chokeberry (Aronia meloncarpa E.), and grape (Vitis vinifera) by assessing multiple biomarkers of colon cancer in male rats treated with a colon carcinogen, azoxymethane. Fischer 344 male rats were fed the AIN-93 diet (control) or AIN-93 diet supplemented with AREs for 14 wk. Biomarkers that were evaluated included the number and multiplicity of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), colonic cell proliferation, urinary levels of oxidative DNA damage, and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) genes. To assess the bioavailability, levels of anthocyanins in serum, urine, and feces were evaluated. Total ACF were reduced (P<0.05) in bilberry, chokeberry, and grape diet groups compared with the control group. The number of large ACF was also reduced (P<0.05) in bilberry and chokeberry ARE-fed rats. Colonic cellular proliferation was decreased in rats fed bilberry ARE and chokeberry ARE diets. Rats fed bilberry and grape ARE diets had lower COX-2 mRNA expression of gene. High levels of fecal anthocyanins and increased fecal mass and fecal moisture occurred in ARE-fed rats. There was also a significant reduction (P<0.05) in fecal bile acids in ARE-fed rats. The levels of urinary 8-hydroxyguanosine were similar among rats fed different diets. These results support our previous in vitro studies suggesting a protective role of AREs in colon carcinogenesis and indicate multiple mechanisms of action.
Insights
Anthocyanin-rich extracts from bilberry, chokeberry, and grape show chemoprotective effects against colon cancer in rats by reducing aberrant crypt foci and cell proliferation. These extracts also influence gene expression and gut parameters, indicating multiple protective mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Cancer chemoprevention
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colon cancer is a significant health concern.
- Dietary compounds, like anthocyanins, show potential for cancer prevention.
- Anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) from bilberry, chokeberry, and grape warrant investigation for chemoprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemoprotective activity of AREs from bilberry, chokeberry, and grape against colon cancer.
- To assess the effects of AREs on multiple biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis in a rat model.
- To evaluate the bioavailability of anthocyanins in serum, urine, and feces.
Main Methods:
- Fischer 344 male rats were fed diets supplemented with AREs or a control diet for 14 weeks.
- Evaluated biomarkers included colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), cell proliferation, oxidative DNA damage, and cyclooxygenase (COX) gene expression.
- Anthocyanin levels in serum, urine, and feces were measured to assess bioavailability.
Main Results:
- AREs from bilberry, chokeberry, and grape significantly reduced total ACF.
- Bilberry and chokeberry AREs decreased the number of large ACF and colonic cell proliferation.
- AREs modulated COX-2 mRNA expression, increased fecal anthocyanins, and reduced fecal bile acids.
Conclusions:
- AREs from bilberry, chokeberry, and grape demonstrate chemoprotective effects against colon carcinogenesis in rats.
- These extracts act through multiple mechanisms, including reducing aberrant crypt foci and modulating gene expression.
- The findings support the potential of AREs as a dietary strategy for colon cancer prevention.
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