Fucoxanthin Prevents Colorectal Cancer Development in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-treated Apc Min/+ Mice

Abstract

Background/aim: A xanthophyll of fucoxanthin (Fx) is a potential chemopreventive agent. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disease that is associated with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, it remains unclear whether Fx can modify colorectal tumorigenesis in Apc^Min/+ mice, a model mouse for human FAP.

Materials and methods: We investigated the chemopreventive effect of Fx in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated Apc^Min/+ mice.

Results: Administration of Fx in the diet for 5 weeks significantly suppressed the number of colorectal adenocarcinomas in DSS-treated male Apc^Min/+ mice, although the treatment did not affect the occurrence of colorectal dysplastic crypts and adenoma in the mice. In addition, Fx down-regulated cyclin D1 expression (0.6-fold) in colorectal mucosa of Apc^Min/+ mice when compared with that of the control mice.

Conclusion: Fx possesses chemopreventive potential against progression of colorectal carcinogenesis in Apc^Min/+ mice that receive inflammatory stimuli.

Keywords: ApcMin/+ mice; Fucoxanthin; cancer chemoprevention; colon cancer; cyclin D1.