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Preventive effects of Korean red ginseng on experimentally induced colitis and colon carcinogenesis
Hoon-Jeong Shin1, Do-Hee Kim2, Xiancai Zhong3
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Abstract:
Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) exerts chemopreventive effects on experimentally induced carcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms. In this study, we investigated effects of KRG on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and azoxymethane (AOM) plus DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed diet containing 1% KRG or a standard diet throughout the experiment. The mouse colitis was induced by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water for 1 week. DSS caused body weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and colon length shortening, and all these symptoms were ameliorated by KRG treatment. KRG inhibited DSS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by suppressing activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3). In another experiment, colon carcinogenesis was initiated by single intraperitoneal injection of AOM (10 mg/kg) and promoted by 2% DSS in drinking water. KRG administration relieved the symptoms of colitis and reduced the incidence, the multiplicity and the size of colon tumor. The up-regulation of COX-2, iNOS, c-Myc and Cyclin D1 by AOM plus DSS was attenuated in KRG fed mice which was associated with suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 activation. These results suggest that KRG is a potential candidate for chemoprevention of inflammation-associated cancer in the colon.
Insights
Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) ameliorates colitis and colon cancer in mice by reducing inflammation and inhibiting key cancer-promoting molecules. This suggests KRG is a potential natural chemopreventive agent for colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammation-associated colon cancer is a significant health concern.
- Chemoprevention strategies are crucial for reducing cancer incidence.
- Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has demonstrated chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of KRG on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.
- To evaluate KRG's efficacy in preventing azoxymethane (AOM) plus DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying KRG's effects.
Main Methods:
- Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a diet containing 1% KRG or a standard diet.
- Colitis was induced using 3% DSS in drinking water.
- Colon carcinogenesis was induced by AOM injection followed by DSS promotion.
- Expression of COX-2, iNOS, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 was analyzed.
- Activation of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways was assessed.
Main Results:
- KRG treatment ameliorated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, including weight loss and rectal bleeding.
- KRG significantly reduced colon tumor incidence, multiplicity, and size in the AOM/DSS model.
- KRG inhibited the expression of COX-2, iNOS, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1.
- KRG suppressed the activation of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- KRG demonstrates protective effects against colitis and inflammation-associated colon cancer in mice.
- KRG exerts its chemopreventive effects by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and oncogenic signaling pathways.
- KRG is a potential candidate for the chemoprevention of colon cancer.
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