Barley polysaccharides inhibit colorectal cancer by two relatively independent pathways

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Microbiome research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a leading global health concern.
• Polysaccharides are known for antitumor properties, but barley polysaccharides (BP) role is understudied.
• Understanding BP's impact on colorectal cancer is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-colorectal cancer effects of barley polysaccharides (BP).
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying BP's inhibitory action on colorectal cancer.
• To explore the dual role of BP in direct and gut microbiota-mediated pathways.

Main Methods:

• In vivo administration of BP (300 mg/kg) to assess colorectal cancer inhibition.
• Analysis of metabolite production and cancer pathway modulation.
• Gut microbiota profiling and assessment of intestinal barrier function.

Main Results:

• BP (300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited colorectal cancer progression.
• BP promoted protective metabolites (e.g., 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione) and inhibited cancer pathways (ERK, PI3K, WNT, JAK-STAT, Cell cycle).
• BP enriched beneficial bacteria (Colidextribacter, Bilophila, UCG-003), improved gut barrier, and modulated metabolites (L-Glutamic acid) and pathways (Apoptosis, TGF-β).

Conclusions:

• Barley polysaccharides (BP) demonstrate significant colorectal cancer inhibitory effects.
• BP acts through direct promotion of protective metabolites and indirect modulation of the gut microbiota.
• These findings highlight BP as a potential therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer via a dual-action mechanism.