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Potential therapeutic target for polysaccharide inhibition of colon cancer progression

Jiawei Fan1, Jianshu Zhu2, He Zhu1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.

Frontiers in Medicine
|January 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Natural polysaccharides show promise for colon cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor growth and enhancing gut health. Citrus pectin polysaccharides significantly reduced tumor volume in mice, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colon cancer is a major global health concern.
  • Natural polysaccharides possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-enhancing properties.
  • Polysaccharides offer potential mechanisms for treating colon cancer by improving gut health and directly inhibiting cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the impact of polysaccharide physicochemical factors on anticancer effects.
  • To reveal the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides against colon cancer.
  • To discuss challenges and future applications of polysaccharides in colon cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on natural polysaccharides and colon cancer.
  • Analysis of preliminary clinical data on citrus pectin polysaccharides.
  • Discussion of polysaccharide bioavailability and physicochemical properties.

Main Results:

  • Citrus pectin polysaccharides reduced tumor volume in mice by 38% (low dose) and 70% (high dose).
  • Natural polysaccharides demonstrate direct inhibition of colon cancer cells.
  • Physicochemical factors influence the anticancer efficacy of polysaccharides.

Conclusions:

  • Natural polysaccharides are a promising strategy for colon cancer treatment.
  • Further clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy and address bioavailability challenges.
  • Understanding polysaccharide properties is key to optimizing their therapeutic use in colon cancer.
Keywords:
apoptosiscolon cancerimmunityintestinal microbiotapolysaccharide

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