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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: September 11, 2012
Garlic Polysaccharides Ameliorate AOM/DSS-Induced Colon Tumorigenesis: A Multi-Omics Mechanistic Study
Yongqiu Qi1, Xiaoming Lu1, Lingyu Li1
1Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Health in Universities of Shandong, College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Tai'an 271018, China.
Abstract:
As important sources of prebiotics, natural plant polysaccharides have been widely investigated owing to their excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and gut microbiota-regulating effects. This study explored the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) in a mouse model of azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis. GP-1, identified as a typical fructan (molecular weight: 3583 Da) with (2→1) and (2→6) linkages, significantly improved survival rate, reduced colon tumor burden, and alleviated intestinal bleeding in tumor mice. Furthermore, intestinal damage was significantly attenuated, as evidenced by enhanced barrier integrity, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and elevated antioxidant enzyme activities. GP-1 also inhibited aberrant epithelial proliferation by suppressing Ki67 protein expression. Multi-omics analyses revealed that these benefits might be associated with gut microbiota and metabolite remodeling, as well as transcriptional suppression of key inflammatory/tumorigenic pathways. Our findings highlighted the inhibitory effect of GP-1 on colon tumorigenesis and supported its potential as a gut-health-promoting functional food ingredient.
Insights
Garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) show significant anti-tumor effects against colon cancer in mice. This natural compound promotes gut health by regulating microbiota and reducing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Natural plant polysaccharides are recognized for their prebiotic properties and beneficial effects on inflammation, tumors, immunity, and gut microbiota.
- Garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) are explored for their potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumor effects of garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of GP-1's anti-tumor activity.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis was utilized.
- Garlic polysaccharides (GP-1), identified as a fructan, were administered to tumor-bearing mice.
- Multi-omics analyses were performed to understand the molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- GP-1 significantly improved survival rates, reduced colon tumor burden, and alleviated intestinal bleeding.
- Intestinal damage was attenuated, with enhanced barrier integrity, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity.
- GP-1 inhibited aberrant epithelial proliferation by suppressing Ki67 protein expression and modulated gut microbiota and metabolites.
Conclusions:
- Garlic polysaccharides (GP-1) exhibit a notable inhibitory effect on colon tumorigenesis.
- GP-1 demonstrates potential as a functional food ingredient for promoting gut health and combating colon cancer.
