Korean Solar Salt Ameliorates Colon Carcinogenesis in an AOM/DSS-Induced C57BL/6 Mouse Model

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Investigating natural compounds for chemoprevention is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse models are widely used to study CRC development and test interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of Korean solar salt (SS) and nine-time-baked bamboo salt (BS-9x) in an AOM/DSS-induced mouse model of colon cancer.
• To compare the efficacy of different salt types, including SS-S, SS-Yb, BS-9x, purified salt (PS), and French solar salt (SS-G).

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of various salt types (1% concentration) during AOM/DSS treatment in C57BL/6 mice.
• Assessment of colon length shortening and tumor counts.
• Histological evaluation using hematoxylin and eosin staining.
• Analysis of colon mRNA expression for apoptosis-related factors, cell-cycle-related genes, and pro-inflammatory factors.

Main Results:

• Korean solar salts (SS-S and SS-Yb) significantly suppressed colon length shortening and reduced tumor incidence compared to controls.
• Purified salt (PS) and French solar salt (SS-G) did not exhibit similar protective effects.
• SS-S and SS-Yb modulated gene expression by promoting apoptosis and cell-cycle-related factors while suppressing pro-inflammatory markers.
• Nine-time-baked bamboo salt (BS-9x) derived from SS-Yb demonstrated enhanced anti-carcinogenic activity.

Conclusions:

• Korean solar salt possesses significant anti-cancer properties against AOM/DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis in mice.
• The anti-cancer effects are mediated through the modulation of apoptosis and inflammation-related gene expression.
• Bamboo salt, particularly when baked multiple times, shows potential for enhanced chemopreventive functionality.