A flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice prevents carcinogenesis in a genetic model of colorectal cancer, the Pirc rat (F344/NTac-Apcam1137).
Eur J Nutr
; 59(3): 885-894, 2020 Apr.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30919084
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To determine the potential of a flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice (BJe) to prevent colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) in vivo. MAINMETHODS:
Pirc rats (F344/NTac-Apcam1137), mutated in Apc, the key gene in CRC, were treated with two different doses of BJe (35 mg/kg or 70 mg/kg body weight, respectively) mixed in the diet for 12 weeks. Then, the entire intestine was surgically removed and dissected for histological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses.RESULTS:
Rats treated with BJe showed a significant dose-related reduction in the colon preneoplastic lesions mucin-depleted foci (MDF). Colon and small intestinal tumours were also significantly reduced in rats supplemented with 70 mg/kg of BJe. To elucidate the involved mechanisms, markers of inflammation and apoptosis were determined. Compared to controls, colon tumours from BJe 70 mg/kg-supplemented rats showed a significant down-regulation of inflammation-related genes (COX-2, iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-10 and Arginase 1). Moreover, in colon tumours from rats fed with 70 mg/kg BJe, apoptosis was significantly higher than in controls. Up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of survivin and p21 genes was also observed.CONCLUSIONS:
These data indicate a strong chemopreventive activity of BJe that, at least in part, is due to its pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions. This effect could be exploited as a strategy to prevent CRC in high-risk patients.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Flavonoids
/
Plant Extracts
/
Colorectal Neoplasms
/
Citrus
/
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Nutr
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italy