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Published on: October 6, 2014
Effects of dietary flaxseed on intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc(Min) mouse
Ajay Bommareddy1, Xiaoying Zhang, Dustin Schrader
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
Abstract:
Dietary flaxseed has been shown to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancers in male Fisher rats. The present study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of dietary flaxseed on the development of intestinal tumors in Apc(Min) mice. Apc(Min) mice were divided into five different groups, fed with control (AIN-93M meal), corn meal, flaxseed meal, corn oil, and flaxseed oil supplemented diets. Results showed that dietary flaxseed significantly decreased (P < 0.05) tumor multiplicity and size in the small intestine and colon as compared to control, corn-treated groups. Intestine, colon, and serum samples of corn-treated groups showed higher levels of omega -6 fatty acids, whereas the flaxseed treated groups exhibited higher levels of omega -3 fatty acids. Lignans were detected in the serum, intestine, and colon samples for flaxseed meal group. COX-1 and COX-2 expression in the colon samples from the flaxseed meal group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) as compared to the corn meal group. Dietary flaxseed may be chemopreventive for intestinal tumor development in Apc(Min) mice possibly by increasing omega -3 fatty acid levels, lignans, and decreasing COX-1 and COX-2 levels.
Insights
Dietary flaxseed reduced intestinal tumor development in Apc(Min) mice. This chemopreventive effect is linked to increased omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, and decreased COX-1 and COX-2 expression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dietary flaxseed demonstrated chemopreventive properties against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal cancers in male Fisher rats.
- The Apc(Min) mouse model is widely used to study intestinal tumor development due to its genetic predisposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemopreventive effects of dietary flaxseed on intestinal tumor development in Apc(Min) mice.
- To explore the potential mechanisms underlying flaxseed's protective effects, including fatty acid profiles, lignan content, and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme expression.
Main Methods:
- Apc(Min) mice were assigned to five dietary groups: control, corn meal, flaxseed meal, corn oil, and flaxseed oil.
- Tumor multiplicity and size were assessed in the small intestine and colon.
- Serum, intestine, and colon samples were analyzed for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and lignan presence.
- Colon samples were analyzed for COX-1 and COX-2 expression.
Main Results:
- Dietary flaxseed significantly decreased tumor multiplicity and size in the small intestine and colon compared to control and corn-treated groups (P < 0.05).
- Flaxseed-fed groups exhibited higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, while corn-fed groups showed higher omega-6 fatty acids.
- Lignans were detected in serum, intestine, and colon samples from the flaxseed meal group.
- COX-1 and COX-2 expression was significantly lower in the colon of the flaxseed meal group compared to the corn meal group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Dietary flaxseed exhibits chemopreventive effects against intestinal tumor development in Apc(Min) mice.
- These protective effects may be mediated by an increase in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, and a reduction in COX-1 and COX-2 expression.
