Abstract A65: Identification of inflammation-associated plasma markers as response indicators in human colorectal cancer patients consuming freeze-dried black raspberries

Abstract

Abstract A65 Background Inflammatory cytokines have been reported as biomarkers of colorectal adenoma risk in humans, however, little is known of biomarkers of response to interventions that may be useful as preventive or therapeutic agents for colorectal cancer. Freeze-dried black raspberries given to colorectal cancer patients were previously shown to be efficacious in altering cellular parameters associated with colorectal tumor development (i.e. apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis). We hypothesized that berry-induced changes in these cellular responses would be associated with changes in plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines that may serve as measures of efficacy of a 2-4 week dietary intervention of berries in colorectal cancer patients. Methods 26 patients who had not received prior therapy consumed a slurry of black raspberries (20g in 100 ml drinking water) 3 times a day for 2-4 weeks. Plasma was collected before and after berry treatment and was analyzed for 9 inflammation-associated proteins. Results 2 of 9 inflammation-associated plasma proteins were increased (i.e. IL-1β, GM-CSF) with berry treatment. Whether these diet-induced plasma changes correlate with changes in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis is being determined. Conclusion In summary, IL-1β and GM-CSF emerged as plasma proteins that were increased in colorectal cancer patients upon berry treatment. Changes in a subset of inflammation-associated plasma proteins may serve as response indicators to berry treatment under efficacious conditions and thus may be useful as a short term assay to monitor response to berry-based interventions for treatment of colorectal cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A65.