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01-04-2020 | Colorectal Cancer | Original Contribution

A flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice prevents carcinogenesis in a genetic model of colorectal cancer, the Pirc rat (F344/NTac-Apc^am1137)

Authors: Michele Navarra, Angelo Pietro Femia, Andrea Romagnoli, Katia Tortora, Cristina Luceri, Santa Cirmi, Nadia Ferlazzo, Giovanna Caderni

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To determine the potential of a flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice (BJe) to prevent colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) in vivo.

Main methods

Pirc rats (F344/NTac-Apc^am1137), 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-1β, 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.

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Title: A flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice prevents carcinogenesis in a genetic model of colorectal cancer, the Pirc rat (F344/NTac-Apcam1137)
Authors: Michele Navarra
Angelo Pietro Femia
Andrea Romagnoli
Katia Tortora
Cristina Luceri
Santa Cirmi
Nadia Ferlazzo
Giovanna Caderni
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-01948-z

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A flavonoid-rich extract from bergamot juice prevents carcinogenesis in a genetic model of colorectal cancer, the Pirc rat (F344/NTac-Apc^am1137)

Abstract

Purpose

Main methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

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