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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
12:37

Modeling Colitis-Associated Cancer with Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)

Published on: September 11, 2012

Suppression of azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinoma development by a fish oil component, docosahexaenoic acid

M Takahashi1, M Fukutake, T Isoi

  • 1Cancer Prevention Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Carcinogenesis
|July 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil, significantly reduced colon cancer multiplicity in rats by modulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting the arachidonic cascade. This suggests DHA may offer protective effects against colon carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Colon cancer is a significant health concern.
  • Fish oil components, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are investigated for potential anti-cancer properties.
  • Azoxymethane (AOM) is a common chemical inducer of colon carcinogenesis in animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of intragastric docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) administration on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.
  • To determine if DHA influences the development and multiplicity of colon tumors.
  • To explore the impact of DHA on key biomarkers related to inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Male F344 rats were administered AOM to induce colon carcinogenesis.
  • Rats received either DHA or water intragastrically.
  • Aberrant crypt foci, tumor incidence, multiplicity, and histological differentiation were assessed.
  • Blood plasma levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and polyunsaturated fatty acids were quantified.

Main Results:

  • DHA administration significantly reduced the multiplicity of colon tumors compared to controls.
  • The number of moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas was lower in the DHA-treated group.
  • DHA treatment led to significantly lower levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and arachidonic acid in blood plasma.
  • While overall cancer incidence did not differ significantly, DHA modulated key markers of carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) demonstrates an inhibitory effect on colon carcinogenesis, particularly in reducing tumor multiplicity.
  • DHA's mechanism of action appears to involve the modulation of lipid metabolism and inhibition of the arachidonic acid cascade.
  • These findings suggest DHA as a potential dietary intervention for colon cancer prevention or management.

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