Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
Antitumor activity of the β-glucan paramylon from Euglena against preneoplastic colonic aberrant crypt foci in mice
Toshiaki Watanabe1, Ryoko Shimada, Ai Matsuyama
1Department of Dietary Environment Analysis, School of Human Science and Environment, Himeji Institute of Technology, University of Hyogo, Sinzaike Honcho 1-1-12, Himeji 6700092, Japan. watanabe@shse.u-hyogo.ac.jp.
Abstract:
In the present study, the effects of β-glucans isolated from Euglena on the formation of preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon were examined in mice. Mice were fed a semi-purified AIN-93M diet containing cellulose or the same diet but with the cellulose replaced with β-glucans in the form of Euglena, paramylon, or amorphous paramylon, for 11 weeks. After consuming these dietary supplements for 8 days, half of the mice were intraperitoneally administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) body weight every week for 6 weeks. Among the DMH-treated groups, the paramylon- and amorphous paramylon-fed mice displayed a significantly lower number of ACF than the control group. Also, the liver weight of the paramylon group was markedly decreased compared with those of the control and Euglena groups, whereas the cecal content weight and fecal volume of the paramylon group were significantly increased. As for the levels of organic acids in the cecal contents, the paramylon group displayed significantly increased lactic acid levels compared with the control and Euglena groups. From these findings, although the mechanism of the ACF-inhibiting effects of paramylon remains unclear, it is considered that β-glucans, such as paramylon and its isomer amorphous paramylon, have preventive effects against colon cancer and are more effective against the condition than Euglena.
Insights
Paramylon and amorphous paramylon, types of beta-glucans, significantly reduced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in mice, suggesting colon cancer preventive effects. These compounds were more effective than Euglena beta-glucans.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Dietary components, particularly polysaccharides like beta-glucans, are investigated for their chemopreventive potential.
- Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are recognized preneoplastic lesions in the colon, serving as biomarkers for CRC risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of beta-glucans isolated from Euglena, specifically paramylon and amorphous paramylon, in preventing the formation of ACF in a mouse model.
- To compare the anti-cancer effects of different forms of Euglena-derived beta-glucans.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed diets containing cellulose, Euglena, paramylon, or amorphous paramylon for 11 weeks.
- Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were induced using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) injections in half of the mice.
- Key physiological parameters including ACF count, liver weight, cecal content weight, fecal volume, and cecal organic acid levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Paramylon and amorphous paramylon significantly reduced the number of ACF compared to the control group in DMH-treated mice.
- Paramylon administration led to decreased liver weight and increased cecal content weight and fecal volume.
- Lactic acid levels in cecal contents were significantly elevated in the paramylon group.
Conclusions:
- Beta-glucans, particularly paramylon and amorphous paramylon, demonstrate preventive effects against colon cancer development.
- Paramylon and its isomer show greater efficacy in reducing ACF formation than Euglena beta-glucans.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive action of paramylon.
More Related Videos
09:01Non-invasive Assessment of the Efficacy of New Therapeutics for Intestinal Pathologies Using Serial Endoscopic Imaging of Live Mice
Published on: March 10, 2015
06:24Author Spotlight: Liujunzi Decoction as a Traditional Chinese Treatment for Coloproctitis Cancer
Published on: October 13, 2023