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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Colorectal Cancer | Research article

Glucocorticoids promote the development of azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colorectal carcinoma in mice

Authors: Bo Li, Yan Wang, Lijuan Yin, Gaoxiang Huang, Yi Xu, Jie Su, Liye Ma, Jian Lu

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Stress has been suggested as a promoter of tumor growth and development. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the main stress hormones and widely prescribed as drugs. However, the effect of GCs on the development and progression of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is unclear.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of corticosterone (CORT) on azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced carcinogenesis in the colorectum of C57BL/6 strain mice. Plasma level of CORT was detected by radioimmunoassay. The expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67 and PCNA), nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and phosphoto-p65 (P-p65), as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Inflammation in colorectum was evaluated by histopathology.

Results

CORT feeding in drinking water of mice not only significantly elevated plasma CORT concentration, but also significantly increased the incidence and neoplasms burden (number and size of neoplasms) in colorectum. CORT also significant enhanced the expression of cell proliferation marker (Ki-67 and PCNA), NF-κB p65 and P-p65 as well as COX-2 in colorectal neoplasm of AOM/DSS-treated mice.

Conclusion

In this study, we have found for the first time that CORT at stress level potentially promotes the growth and development of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal adenoma and carcinoma in mice. Up-regulation of NF-κB and COX-2 may be involved in the promoting effect of CORT.
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Metadata
Title
Glucocorticoids promote the development of azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium-induced colorectal carcinoma in mice
Authors
Bo Li
Yan Wang
Lijuan Yin
Gaoxiang Huang
Yi Xu
Jie Su
Liye Ma
Jian Lu
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5299-8

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