Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and the number is increasing every year. Despite advances in screening programs, CRC remains as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has been shown to be associated with Blastocystis sp., a common intestinal microorganism. In the present study, we aimed to identify a role for Blastocystis sp. in exacerbating carcinogenesis using in vivo rat model. Methylene blue staining was used to identify colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenomas formation in infected rats whilst elevation of oxidative stress biomarker levels in the urine and serum samples were evaluated using biochemical assays. Histological changes of the intestinal mucosa were observed and a significant number of ACF was found in Blastocystis sp. infected AOM-rats compared to the AOM-controls. High levels of urinary oxidative indices including advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide were observed in Blastocystis sp. infected AOM-rats compared to the uninfected AOM-rats. Our study provides evidence that Blastocystis sp. has a significant role in enhancing AOM-induced carcinogenesis by resulting damage to the intestinal epithelium and promoting oxidative damage in Blastocystis sp. infected rats.
Highlights
Cancer is a concern for human health worldwide
Rats infected with Blastocystis sp. and injected with AOM showed a higher weight gain compared to rats without AOM injection (P
Stool samples of control rats showed total absence of Blastocystis sp. throughout the period of investigation implying that there was no possibility of contamination from external sources such as food and water
Summary
Cancer is a concern for human health worldwide. It is one of the most aggravating diseases and bears the threat of mortality. It begins with the transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous cell and occurs through many stages over a number of years. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and is a major cause of cancer mortality [1]. The common signs of colorectal cancer include bloody stool and weight loss.
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