Fucoxanthin Prevents Colorectal Cancer Development in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-treated<i>Apc</i><sup>Min/+</sup>Mice
Masaru Terasaki, Takahiro Hamoya, Atsuhito Kubota, Hiroyuki Kojima, Takuji Tanaka, H. Maeda, Kazuo Miyashita, Michihiro Mutoh
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 DSStreated 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.