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Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Nov 2023There is an increased risk of colon cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary fibers (DFs) naturally present in vegetables and whole grains offer...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
There is an increased risk of colon cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary fibers (DFs) naturally present in vegetables and whole grains offer numerous beneficial effects on intestinal health. However, the effects of refined DFs on intestinal health remain unclear. Therefore, we elucidated the impact of the refined DF inulin on colonic inflammation and tumorigenesis.
METHODS
Four-week-old wild-type (WT) mice were fed diets containing insoluble DF cellulose (control) or refined DF inulin for 4 weeks. A subgroup of mice was then switched to drinking water containing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 1.4% wt/vol) for colitis induction. In another subgroup of mice, colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) was initiated with three 7-day alternate cycles of DSS following an initial dose of mutagenic substance azoxymethane (AOM; 7.5 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). Post 7 weeks of AOM treatment, mice were euthanized and examined for CRC development.
RESULTS
Mice consuming inulin-containing diet exhibited severe colitis upon DSS administration, as evidenced by more body weight loss, rectal bleeding, and increased colonic inflammation than the DSS-treated control group. Correspondingly, histological analysis revealed extensive disruption of colon architecture and massive infiltration of immune cells in the inulin-fed group. We next examined the effect of inulin on CRC development. Surprisingly, significant mortality (~50%) was observed in the inulin-fed but not in the control group during the DSS cycle. Consequently, the remaining inulin-fed mice, which completed the study exhibited extensive colon tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical characterization showed comparatively high expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 and activation of the Wnt signaling in tumor sections obtained from the inulin-fed group. Gut microbiota and metabolite analysis revealed expansion of succinate producers and elevated cecal succinate in inulin-fed mice. Human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) proliferated more rapidly when supplemented with succinate in an inflamed environment, suggesting that elevated luminal succinate may contribute to tumorigenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study uncovers that supplementation of diet with refined inulin induces abnormal succinate accumulation in the intestinal lumen, which in part contributes to promoting colon inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Inulin; Succinic Acid; Dextran Sulfate; Inflammation; Colitis; Colonic Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Carcinogenesis; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
PubMed: 37489647
DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1863 -
Pharmacological Research Sep 2023In our previous multicenter study, we delineated the inherent metabolic features of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therein, we identified a member of the ectonucleotide...
In our previous multicenter study, we delineated the inherent metabolic features of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therein, we identified a member of the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/ phosphodiesterase family (ENPP2) as a significant differential metabolite of CRC. In this study, the role of ENPP2 in CRC has been demonstrated using established in vitro and in vivo models including ENPP2 gene knockdown, and use of the ENPP2 inhibitor, GLPG1690. We found that CRC proliferation was decreased after either ENPP2 gene knockdown or use of ENPP2 inhibitors. We further evaluated the role of GLPG1690 in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice via intestinal barrier function, macrophage polarization, inflammatory response and microbial homeostasis. Results of immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that GLPG1690 can restore gut-barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1. M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization and colonic inflammation were attenuated after treatment with GLPG1690 using the Azoxymethane/Dextran Sodium Sulfate (AOM/DSS) model. Moreover, 16 S rDNA pyrosequencing and metagenomic analysis showed that GLPG1690 could alleviate gut dysbiosis in mice. Furthermore, administration of GLPG1690 with antibiotics as well as fecal microbiota transplantation assays demonstrated a close link between the efficacy of GLPG1690 and the gut microbiota composition. Finally, results of metabolomic analysis implicated mainly the gut microbiota-derived metabolites of aromatic amino acids in CRC progression. These findings may provide novel insights into the development of small-molecule ENPP2 inhibitors for the treatment of CRC.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Azoxymethane; Cell Proliferation; Colitis; Colorectal Neoplasms; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases
PubMed: 37524154
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106877 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology May 2024Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents a risk of carcinogenesis, which escalates with the duration of IBD. Persistent histological inflammation is considered to be...
Anchang Yuyang Decoction inhibits experimental colitis-related carcinogenesis by regulating PPAR signaling pathway and affecting metabolic homeostasis of host and microbiota.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents a risk of carcinogenesis, which escalates with the duration of IBD. Persistent histological inflammation is considered to be the driving factor of colitis carcinogenesis. Effective control of inflammation is helpful to prevent and treat colitis-related colorectal cancer (CAC). Anchang Yuyang Decoction (AYD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is originated from the ancient prescription of TCM for treating colitis and colorectal cancer. AYD has demonstrated efficacy in treating IBD and potential anti-carcinogenic properties.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This research aims to assess the therapeutic efficacy of AYD in ameliorating experimental colitis-related carcinogenesis induced by AOM/DSS. It further seeks to elucidate its potential mechanisms by integrating multiple omics sequencing approaches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A rat model for colitis-related carcinogenesis was developed using azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). UPLC-MS identified AYD's chemical constituents. Rats were administered varying doses of AYD (18.37, 9.19 and 4.59 g/kg) orally for 53 days, with mesalazine as a positive control. The study evaluated anti-carcinogenic effects by examining adenoma number, adenoma load, abnormal crypt foci (ACF), histopathological damage, and tumor-related protein expression. Anti-inflammatory and reparative effects were assessed through body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen index, inflammatory cytokine levels, and tight junction protein expression. The effects on intestinal microbiota and host metabolism were explored through 16S rRNA sequencing, targeted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabonomics, and non-targeted colon metabolomics. Potential AYD targets were identified through transcriptomic sequencing and validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting.
RESULTS
AYD significantly reduced adenoma number, adenoma load, neoplasm-associated lesions, ACF, and tumor-related protein expression (e.g., p53, PCNA) in AOM/DSS-induced rats, thus impeding colitis-related carcinogenesis progression. AYD also alleviated histopathological damage and inflammation, promoting intestinal mucosal barrier repair. Furthermore, AYD modulated intestinal flora structure, enhanced SCFA production, and regulated colon metabolites. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed a significant impact on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Subsequent qRT-PCR and western blotting experiments indicated AYD's influence in up-regulating PPAR-γ and down-regulating PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and related proteins (thrombomodulin [Thbd], fatty acid binding protein 5 [Fabp5], stearoyl-CoA desaturase 2 [Scd2], phospholipid transfer protein [Pltp]).
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates AYD's ability to inhibit experimental colitis-related carcinogenesis induced by AOM/DSS. Its mechanism likely involves modulation of the PPAR signaling pathway, impacting intestinal microbiota and host metabolic equilibrium.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Mice; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Chromatography, Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Colitis; Inflammation; Signal Transduction; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Carcinogenesis; Azoxymethane; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Colorectal Neoplasms; Homeostasis; Adenoma; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Colon
PubMed: 38428656
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117995 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex and poorly understood myeloid-mediated disorder. Genetic variants with loss of function in the gene confer an increased susceptibility...
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex and poorly understood myeloid-mediated disorder. Genetic variants with loss of function in the gene confer an increased susceptibility to ileal CD. While Nod2 in myeloid cells may confer protection against T-cell mediated ileopathy, it remains unclear whether it may promote resolution of the inflamed colon. In this study, we evaluated the function of Nod2 in myeloid cells in a model of acute colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC).
METHODS
To ablate Nod2 specifically within the myeloid compartment, we generated mice. The role of NOD2 was studied in a setting of Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and in azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS model. Clinical parameters were quantified by colonoscopy, histological, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR analysis.
RESULTS
Upon DSS colitis model, mice lost less weight than control littermates and had less severe damage to the colonic epithelium. In the AOM/DSS model, endoscopic monitoring of tumor progression revealed a lowered number of adenomas within the colon of mice, associated with less expression of . Mechanistically, lysozyme M was required for the improved disease severity in mice with a defect of NOD2 in myeloid cells.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that loss of Nod2 signaling in myeloid cells aids in the tissue repair of the inflamed large intestine through lysozyme secretion by myeloid cells. These results may pave the way to design new therapeutics to limit the inflammatory and tumorigenic functions of NOD2.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Azoxymethane; Colitis; Crohn Disease; Macrophages; Muramidase; Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein
PubMed: 37876927
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1252979 -
Acta Neuropathologica Communications Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Mutagens; Guam; Methylazoxymethanol Acetate; Mutagenesis; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
PubMed: 38383591
DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01725-y -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Feb 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern and disproportionately impacts racial/ethnic minority populations in the US. Animal models are helpful in...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern and disproportionately impacts racial/ethnic minority populations in the US. Animal models are helpful in examining human health disparities because many stress-induced human health conditions can be recapitulated using mouse models. Azoxymethane (AOM)/ dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment can be used to model colitis-associated cancers. While colitis-associated cancers account for only 2% of colon cancers, the AOM/DSS model is useful for examining links between inflammation, immunity, and colon cancer. Mice were housed in enriched and impoverished environments for 1-month prior to behavioral testing. Following behavioral testing the mice were subjected to the AOM/DSS model. While our analysis revealed no significant behavioral variances between the impoverished and enriched housing conditions, we found significant effects in tumorigenesis. Enriched mice had fewer tumors and smaller tumor volumes compared to impoverished mice. African Americans are at higher risk for early onset colorectal cancers in part due to social economic status. Furthermore, housing conditions and environment may reflect social economic status. Research aimed at understanding links between social economic status and colorectal cancer progression is important for eliminating disparities in health outcomes.
PubMed: 38405737
DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580099 -
Gut Microbes Dec 2023Aging is a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). It is well established that gut microbial dysbiosis can play a role in the etiology of CRC. Although the...
Fecal microbiota transplanted from old mice promotes more colonic inflammation, proliferation, and tumor formation in azoxymethane-treated A/J mice than microbiota originating from young mice.
Aging is a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). It is well established that gut microbial dysbiosis can play a role in the etiology of CRC. Although the composition of the gut microbial community changes with age and is reported to become more pro-inflammatory, it is unclear whether such changes are also pro-tumorigenic for the colon. To address this gap, we conducted fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from young (DY, ~6 wk) and old (DO, ~72 wk) donor mice into young (8 wk) recipient mice that were pre-treated with antibiotics. After initiating tumorigenesis with azoxymethane, recipients were maintained for 19 wk during which time they received monthly FMT boosters. Compared to recipients of young donors (RY), recipients of old donors (RO) had an approximately 3-fold higher prevalence of histologically confirmed colon tumors (15.8 vs 50%, Chi = .03), approximately 2-fold higher proliferating colonocytes as well as significantly elevated colonic IL-6, IL-1β and Tnf-α. Transcriptomics analysis of the colonic mucosa revealed a striking upregulation of mitochondria-related genes in the RO mice, a finding corroborated by increased mitochondrial abundance. Amongst the differences in fecal microbiome observed between DY and DO mice, the genera and were more abundant in DY mice while the genera and were more abundant in DO mice. Amongst recipients, and were higher in RY mice while was higher in RO mice. Differences in fecal microbiota were observed between young and old mice, some of which persisted upon transplant into recipient mice. Recipients of old donors displayed significantly higher colonic proliferation, inflammation and tumor abundance compared to recipients of young donors. These findings support an etiological role for altered gut microbial communities in the increased risk for CRC with increasing age and establishes that such risk can be transmitted between individuals.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Azoxymethane; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microbiota; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Colonic Neoplasms; Inflammation; Carcinogenesis; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38031252
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2288187 -
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS Sep 2023Several studies show that natural foods are a source of compounds with anticancer properties that affect the gut microbiota and its metabolites. In the present study, we...
BACKGROUND
Several studies show that natural foods are a source of compounds with anticancer properties that affect the gut microbiota and its metabolites. In the present study, we investigate the effect of a delactosed buffalo milk whey by-product (DMW) on colorectal carcinogenesis.
METHODS
The effect of DMW on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) was investigated in the established mouse model of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinoma, which closely resembles the human clinical condition of CRC. The effect of DMW on CRC immortalized cell lines was also evaluated to further identify the antineoplastic mechanism of action.
RESULTS
Pretreatment of AOM-treated mice with DMW significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the percentage of mice bearing both aberrant crypt foci with more than four crypts (which are early precancerous lesions that progress to CRC) and tumors. In addition, DMW completely counteracted the effect of AOM on protein expression of caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase in colonic tissue. Administration of DMW alone (i.e. without AOM) resulted in changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to enrichment or depletion of genera associated with health and disease, respectively. DMW was also able to restore AOM-induced changes in specific genera of the gut microbiota. Specifically, DMW reduced the genera Atopobiaceae, Ruminococcus 1 and Lachnospiraceae XPB1014 and increased the genera Parabacteroides and Candidatus Saccharimonas, which were increased and reduced, respectively, by AOM. Blood levels of butyric acid and cancer diagnostic markers (5-methylcytidine and glycerophosphocholine), which were increased by AOM treatment, were reduced by DMW. Furthermore, DMW exerted cytotoxic effects on two human CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) and these effects were associated with the induction of apoptotic signaling.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that DMW exerts chemopreventive effects and restores the gut microbiota in AOM-induced CRC, and induces cytotoxic effect on CRC cells. DMW could be an important dietary supplement to support a healthy gut microbiota and reduce the prevalence of CRC in humans. Video Abstract.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Whey; Buffaloes; Milk; Carcinogenesis; Colorectal Neoplasms; Azoxymethane; Butyric Acid
PubMed: 37730576
DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01271-5 -
Cell Reports Mar 2024The radioresistant signature of colorectal cancer (CRC) hampers the clinical utility of radiotherapy. Here, we find that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)...
The radioresistant signature of colorectal cancer (CRC) hampers the clinical utility of radiotherapy. Here, we find that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) potentiates the tumoricidal effects of radiation and degrades the intertwined adverse events in azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced CRC mice. FMT cumulates Roseburia intestinalis (R. intestinalis) in the gastrointestinal tract. Oral gavage of R. intestinalis assembles at the CRC site and synthetizes butyrate, sensitizing CRC to radiation and alleviating intestinal toxicity in primary and CRC hepatic metastasis mouse models. R. intestinalis-derived butyrate activates OR51E1, a G-protein-coupled receptor overexpressing in patients with rectal cancer, facilitating radiogenic autophagy in CRC cells. OR51E1 shows a positive correlation with RALB in clinical rectal cancer tissues and CRC mouse model. Blockage of OR51E1/RALB signaling restrains butyrate-elicited autophagy in irradiated CRC cells. Our findings highlight that the gut commensal bacteria R. intestinalis motivates radiation-induced autophagy to accelerate CRC cell death through the butyrate/OR51E1/RALB axis and provide a promising radiosensitizer for CRC in a pre-clinical setting.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Butyrates; Clostridiales; Azoxymethane; Colorectal Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
PubMed: 38412097
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113846 -
Heliyon Jan 2024Metastasis is the major problem of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is correlated with the high mortality. Tumor necrosis factor-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) is a novel regulatory...
BACKGROUND
Metastasis is the major problem of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is correlated with the high mortality. Tumor necrosis factor-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) is a novel regulatory factor for inflammatory diseases. This work aimed to investigate the role of TL1A in CRC metastasis.
METHOD
AOM/DSS-induced mouse model, xenograft tumor model and metastasis murine model were established to mimic the colitis-associated CRC and investigate CRC growth and metastasis . Colon tissues were assessed by hematoxylin/eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). CRC cell metastasis was observed using imaging system (IVIS). Cell viability and proliferation were examined using cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and EdU experiments. The expression of tumor growth factor β (TGFβ) and metastatic biomarkers were detected using western blotting experiment. The cell metastasis was measured by Transwell.
RESULTS
Knockdown of TL1A notably suppressed the generation of colonic tumors in azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) model, suppressed CRC cell growth, as well as lung and liver metastasis. The inflammation response and inflammatory cell infiltration in tumor sites were decreased by TL1A depletion. The CRC cell growth and metastasis was also suppressed by shTL1A, along with altered expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. TL1A depletion suppressed the level of the TGF-β1 receptor (TβRI) and phosphorylation of Smad3 in CRC cells. Stimulation with TGF-β recovered the CRC cell migration and invasion that suppressed by shTL1A.
CONCLUSION
Our work implicated TL1A as a promoter of CRC generation and metastasis and defines TGF-β/Smad3 signaling as mediator of TL1A-regualated CRC cell metastasis.
PubMed: 38312710
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24392