Abstract LB-168: A hexane fraction of American ginseng suppresses colon cancer associated with colitis

Abstract

Abstract Patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) have a high risk of colon cancer. We have recently shown American Ginseng (AG) suppresses colitis, and prevents colon cancer in mice. In the present study we isolated a Hexane Fraction of AG and found this to have particularly potent anti-oxidant and pro-apoptotic properties. The Hexane Fraction of AG was effective in inducing apoptosis of human epithelial colon cancer cell, HCT-116 and inflammatory cells. As well, this fraction was shown to suppress azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced colon cancer. We performed two studies with mice: a short term (Day 35) and long term (Day 50) cancer prevention study. Mice fed the Hexane fraction of AG had significantly less inflammatory and ulcerative lesions, as well as cancerous lesions compared with the vehicle-treated group in both the short and long-term cancer prevention studies. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that the Hexane fraction of AG has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and prevents the progression of colon cancer in AOM/DSS mouse model. Interestingly, at Day 35, following isolation of CD45- epithelial cells from colons of mice treated with either AOM+DSS+Vehicle or AOM+DSS+Hexane fraction of AG, there was a 24% increase in the putatative tumor suppressor miRNA-16 with treatment with the Hexane fraction of AG. When looking at putative miRNAs with oncogenic properties (miRNA-21 and -155), levels were decreased in epithelial cells by 25% and 12% respectively in the Hexane fraction of AG-treated mice. This study provides additional pre-clincal data, and mechanistic studies that support the possible use of this complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of colitis, and the prevention of colon cancer associated with colitis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-168. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-168