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Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane AOM and Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: September 11, 2012
Açaí Berries Inhibit Colon Tumorigenesis in Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Treated Mice
Yoon Jin Choi1, Yoon Jeong Choi1, Nayoung Kim1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Background/Aims:
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of açaí against azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colorectal cancer development.
Methods:
The effect of açaí on tumorigenesis was assessed by evaluating tumor incidence, multiplicity and invasiveness in the mouse colon. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) and cleaved-caspase-3 were assessed by immunoblotting.
Results:
Administration of pellets containing 5% açaí powder reduced the incidences of both colonic adenoma and cancer (adenoma, 23.1% vs 76.9%, respectively, p=0.006; cancer, 15.4% vs 76.9%, respectively, p=0.002). In the açaí-treated mice, the MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the colon were significantly down-regulated. Açaí inhibited PCNA and Bcl-2 expression and increased Bad and cleaved-caspase-3 expression. In vitro studies demonstrated that açaí treatment reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and COX-2 in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.
Conclusions:
Açaí demonstrated protective effects against AOM/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis, which suggests that the intake of açaí may be beneficial for the prevention of human colon cancer.
Insights
Açaí supplementation significantly reduced colorectal cancer incidence and tumor development in mice. This fruit may offer protective benefits for preventing human colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cancer Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) models are widely used to study CRC development.
- Investigating natural compounds for cancer prevention is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of açaí against AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying açaí's protective effects.
Main Methods:
- Açaí powder was administered to mice in a chemically induced colorectal cancer model.
- Tumor incidence, multiplicity, and invasiveness were assessed.
- Biomarkers of inflammation (MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and cell proliferation/apoptosis (PCNA, Bcl-2, Bad, cleaved-caspase-3) were quantified.
Main Results:
- Açaí administration significantly reduced adenoma and cancer incidence.
- Açaí suppressed key inflammatory markers and downregulated proliferation markers.
- Açaí promoted apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-3 activation.
Conclusions:
- Açaí exhibits significant chemopreventive effects against colorectal cancer in a preclinical model.
- Açaí's anti-cancer properties are mediated through the modulation of inflammatory pathways and apoptosis.
- Dietary intake of açaí may contribute to the prevention of human colon cancer.
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