Abstract
The flavonoid apigenin is common to many plants. Although the responsible mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, apigenin demonstrates tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo. This study uses an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced colon cancer mouse model to investigate apigenin's potential mechanism of action exerted through its effects upon gut microbiota. The size and quantity of tumors were reduced significantly in the apigenin treatment group. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of fecal samples, the composition of gut microbiota was significantly affected by apigenin. Further experiments in which gut microbiota were reduced and feces were transplanted provided further evidence of apigenin-modulated gut microbiota exerting antitumor effects. Apigenin was unable to reduce the number or size of tumors when gut microbiota were depleted. Moreover, tumor inhibition effects were initiated following the transplant of feces from mice treated with apigenin. Our findings suggest that the effect of apigenin on the composition of gut microbiota can suppress tumors.
Highlights
In 2012, it was estimated that there were 14.1 million new cancer cases worldwide, and by 2032, this figure is projected to increase to 25 million [1]
A comparison was made of the weight and volume of tumors and the change in body weight between the AP mice and the controls (Figures 1(a)–1(c))
There were no changes in body weight, the control mice exhibited heavier and larger tumors (P < 0:05)
Summary
In 2012, it was estimated that there were 14.1 million new cancer cases worldwide, and by 2032, this figure is projected to increase to 25 million [1]. There is an urgent need to undertake more cancer prevention and treatment research to address this serious situation. The number of symbiotic bacteria in the human gut is calculated to be approximately 100 trillion, weighing 1– 2 kg. These symbionts are made up of more than 7,000 strains representing approximately 800 bacterial genera. The importance of gut flora to host health is highlighted by their critical functions of breaking down indigestible carbohydrates, inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infections, synthesizing vitamins, exerting antitumor effects, and modifying host immune reaction [4, 5]
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