Effectiveness of Bioactive Food Components in Experimental Colon Carcinogenesis

Abstract

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of possible protective effects of selected bioactive food components in experimental N,N-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis. Wistar albino rats (n = 92) were fed a high fat diet or conventional laboratory diet. Two weeks after the beginning of the trial, DMH injections were given to six groups of rats at the dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. twice weekly. The activity of bacterial enzymes in faeces and serum bile acid concentrations were determined. High fat diet, DMH injections, and their combination significantly increased the activies of β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, and α-glucosidase (p < 0.001) compared to the control group of rats. Treatment with the prebiotic inulin, Hyppocastani extractum siccum and Lini oleum virginale significantly decreased the activity of β-galactosidase, β-glucuronidase, and α-glucosidase (p < 0.001), as well as the bile acid concentration compared to the group at the highest risk. The protective effects of selected bioactive food components in experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis allow for their possible use in cancer prevention or treatment.