Apple Polysaccharide Research Articles

Apple polysaccharide stabilized palladium nanoparticles for sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticide

The widespread application of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has inflicted significant damage on human well-being and food security. Hence, it is imperative to develop a friendly and accessible biosensor for the detection of OPs. Herein, apple polysaccharide (AP) stabilized palladium nanoparticles (AP-PdnNPs) with a particle size of 2.75–5.95 nm were prepared using AP as a stabilizer and reducing agent. AP-Pd30NPs exhibited good peroxidase-like activity and effectively decomposed H2O2 to ·OH, which catalyzed the 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine system to become blue. The catalytic kinetics of AP-Pd30NPs conformed to the typical Michelis-Menten equation. Furthermore, OPs directly inhibited the peroxidase-like activity of AP-Pd30NPs. Thus, a highly effective colorimetric biosensor was developed for the detection of OPs. The detection range of the biosensor was 0.050 μg/L - 200 mg/L, and the limit of detection was extremely low to 0.010 μg/L. Compared with other nanomaterials, the detection platform based on AP-Pd30NPs can effectively detect organophosphorus pesticides without coupling natural enzymes；this method is more economical and practical. Therefore, this established method explores good perspective for the detection of OPs.

Strong gelation capacity of a pectin-like polysaccharide in the presence of K+ ion

In the present study, a pectin-like apple polysaccharide (AP) obtained by metal precipitation technique was demonstrated to show strong gelling capacity in the presence of K+ ion upon cooling. Increasing amount of K+ addition monotonically promoted the gelation of AP, as characterized by the increased gelation temperature (Tgel), gel melting temperature (Tmelt) and the gel strength. Compared with K+ ion, Na+ was unable to induce AP gelation even at high ionic concentrations, but other monovalent cations (Rb+, Cs+) can induce the gelation as in the case of K+ addition. At room temperature, the minimum cationic concentration as required to induce AP gelation followed the order of K+ ≈ Cr+ (8 mM) > Rb+ (3.5 mM), indicating that cationic radius (Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+) played a dominant role in inducing AP gelation, but other factors may also be involved. Finally, the gelation behavior of AP in the presence of K+ was explained as the suppressed intermolecular electrostatic repulsion between AP chains due to the strong electrostatic shielding effect of K+, which led to the formation of a gel network mediated by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. This reported gelation property may allow AP to find application as a new gelling polysaccharide.

Polysaccharide isolated from wax apple suppresses ethyl carbamate-induced oxidative damage in human hepatocytes.

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) has received growing research interest for its high nutritional and medicinal value due to its constituents such as polysaccharide, organic acids, flavonoids, minerals, and other substances. In this study, wax apple polysaccharide (WAP) was isolated from this plant and its protective effect against ethyl carbamate (EC)‍-induced oxidative damage was evaluated in human hepatocytes (L02 cells). Firstly, a series of analyses such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were conducted to identify the structure of WAP. Thereafter, in vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the protective effects of WAP against EC-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative damage in L02 cells. Our results revealed that WAP is composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 2.20:‍3.94:‍4.45:‍8.56:‍8.86:‍30.82:‍39.78:‍1.48. Using a combination of methylation and NMR spectroscopic analysis, the primary structure of WAP was identified as Araf-(1→, Glcp-(1→, →2)‍-Araf-(1→, →3)‍-Galp-(1→, →3)‍-Araf-‍(1→, and →6)‍-Galp-‍(1→. Cell experiments indicated that WAP exhibited significant protective effects on EC-treated L02 cells via suppressing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2•- formation, as well as improving mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and glutathione (GSH). In a nutshell, WAP has the potential as an important therapeutic agent or supplement for hepatic oxidative damage. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to prove the above effects in vivo at the biological and clinical levels.

Development of modified apple polysaccharide capped silver nanoparticles loaded with mesalamine for effective treatment of ulcerative colitis

The objective of study was to develop modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) loaded with mesalamine (MES) for effective treatment of ulcerative colitis in acetic acid induced rat model. AgNPs were prepared by reducing silver nitrate using MAP solution. The size and zeta potential of AgNPs was 89 ± 3 nm and −16.3 ± 1.54 mV and AgNPs loaded with MES (AgNPs-MES) was 101 ± 9 nm and −14.27 ± 2.16 mV. The dissolution study revealed about 54% drug release after 5 h indicating release of drug at the colonic site. The in vivo study was carried out on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis rats and efficacy of treatment was assessed through evaluation of disease activity index and level of antioxidants as well as tumor necrosis factor-α after 7th and 14th day of induction of colitis. Histopathological evaluation of colonic tissue was also carried out. The results revealed that AgNPs-MES (high dose) provided better therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of UC as compared to its low dose, MES alone, MES-MAP, AgNPs alone and MAP alone. It was concluded that MAP based AgNPs loaded with MES were successfully formulated and found to be effective in treating ulcerative colitis.

Apple polysaccharide prevents from colitis-associated carcinogenesis through regulating macrophage polarization

Macrophages, an important component of inflammatory microenvironment and tumor microenvironment, are closely related to tumor development and progression. Our previous studies showed that apple polysaccharide (AP) could prevent from colitis associated colorectal carcinogenesis. Herein, we further our study to observe the effect of AP on the polarization of macrophages in Raw 264.7 cells and a colitis associated colorectal cancer mouse model, and to investigate the possible mechanisms. Forty male ICR mice were administered with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Twenty mice were given no further treatment as model mice, the rest twenty were fed basal diet mixed with 5% of AP. Raw 264.7 cells were treated with 0.5 mg/mL AP. AP could protect ICR mice against AOM/DSS-induced carcinogenesis, keep the colon of AOM/DSS-treated mice in a moderative inflammatory state, and shift macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype. In vitro study showed that AP could upregulate TLR-4 signaling mildly and trigger M1 macrophage transition. Moreover, AP-induced transition of macrophage phenotype was suppressed by a TLR-4 antagonist, TAK-242. These data may provide a novel molecular basis for understanding how apples act to prevent colorectal cancer (CRC) and indicate that AP has a potential to prevent and treat CRC.

Modified apple polysaccharide capped gold nanoparticles for oral delivery of insulin

The study entailed formulation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) upon reduction of chloroauric acid by modified apple polysaccharide (MAP). AuNPs were conjugated with insulin (INS) for its oral delivery to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). The size of MAP conjugated AuNPs loaded with INS was 124 ± 8.55 nm with zeta potential −10.5 ± 0.54 mV. The animal study carried out in streptozotocin induced rat model revealed that AuNPs conjugated insulin (AuNPs-INS) in high dose caused 3.36 folds decrease in blood glucose level in 240 min, whereas, orally administered INS failed to decrease the blood glucose level. The 28-day study also revealed better improvement in body weight, lipid profile, urea, creatinine and liver parameters in AuNPs-INS (high dose) for which the observed value was close with respect to intraperitoneally administrated insulin followed by medium dose of AuNPs-INS, low dose of AuNPS-INS, AuNPs alone and modified apple polysaccharide.

Apple polysaccharide protects ICR mice against colitis associated colorectal cancer through the regulation of microbial dysbiosis

The study tried to investigate whether apple polysaccharide (AP) could prevent colitis associated colorectal cancer (CACC) through the regulation of intestinal microbiota disorders. 10 % AP (w/v) was administrated to ICR mice by gavage for 15 wk. It was found that AP treatment protected against CACC in mice effectively. The level of Lactobacillus in the intestine of AOM/DSS-treated mice was significantly decreased and that of Fusobacterium increased; while AP could reverse this trend and increase the intestinal microbiota diversity. The number of T cells and macrophages in the colon tissue of mice in AOM/DSS group elevated; while AP could reduce the number of these cells significantly. AP suppressed nuclear aggregation of β-catenin, inhibited the activation of Wnt pathway in colon tissues. These data suggest that AP prevented ICR mice from CACC at least in part through regulating intestinal flora disorder and Wnt pathway.

Apple polysaccharide could promote the growth of Bifidobacterium longum

It is widely accepted that regulating microbiome could improve human health. We previously observed apple polysaccharide (AP) reversed high-fat-induced microbial dysbiosis, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated.In this study, the function of AP in vitro was evaluated in Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus). The effects of AP on the composition of fecal bacteria of normal SD rats were investigated by qPCR, TA cloning and 16S sequencing. 0.125–2% AP showed no significant effect on the growth of B. longum and L. rhamnosus. DNA concentration of fecal bacteria cultured with 1% AP was significantly higher than that of control group. qPCR revealed that the number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in fecal flora incubated by 1% AP was significantly higher than that of control group. Three strains of escherichia coli (E. coli) in fecal bacteria were screened out and analyzed. AP can be utilized by one E. coli and the metabolic products of AP could enhance the proliferation of B. longum.These data suggest that AP could promote the growth of B. longum indirectly, and provide another basis to understand the health care function of apple.

Modified apple polysaccharide regulates microbial dysbiosis to suppress high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice.

Obesity, substantially increasing the risk of diseases such as metabolic diseases, becomes a major health challenge. In this study, we, therefore, investigated the effect of modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) on obesity. Twelve male C57BL/6J mice were given a 45% high-fat diet (HFD) for 12weeks to replicate an obesity model and six mice were given normal diet as control. Then, 1g/kg MAP was administrated to six mice by gavage for 15days. Illumina Miseq PE300 sequencing platform was used to analyze the microbial diversity of fecal samples. Flow cytometry was employed to investigate the effects of MAP on immune cells in adipose tissue. Bacterial culture and qPCR were used to assess the effects of MAP on the growth of whole fecal bacteria and representative microbiota in vitro. MAP could alleviate HFD-induced obesity and decrease body weight of mice effectively. The results of α diversity showed that Shannon index in HFD group was significantly lower than that in control group; Shannon index in MAP group was higher than that in HFD group. The results of β diversity showed that the microbiota of MAP group was more similar to that of control group. HFD increased the number of T cells and macrophages in adipocytes; while MAP decreased the number of T cells and macrophages. MAP could promote the growth of fecal bacteria, and demonstrated a facilitated effect on the proliferation of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and an inhibitory effect on Fusobacterium. MAP could reduce HFD-induced obesity of mice effectively. The possible mechanisms are that MAP restored HFD-induced intestinal microbiota disorder, downregulated the number of T cells and macrophages in adipose tissue.

Structural characterization and emulsifying properties of thinned-young apples polysaccharides

The thinned-young apple polysaccharides from three varieties were obtained by hot water extraction at 88 ̊C for 120 min. The compositional monosaccharides of the three polysaccharides were shown to be the same (xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose) and the molecular weights of the polysaccharides were in the range of 200–300 kDa. Compared with “Qinyang” and “Pinklady”, the polysaccharide from “Jinshiji” had the highest emulsifying capacity. Moreover, the variations in pH and cation ion concentrations had also a significant effect on the emulsifying properties of the extracted polysaccharides. At pH 2.0–4.0, the prepared emulsion had smaller droplet sizes than at higher pH values. Although the emulsion was stable at low concentrations of Na+ and Ca2+ ions, high concentrations of Na+ and Ca2+ led to significant destabilization of the emulsion. Conclusively, our results demonstrated the potential application of thinned-young apple polysaccharide as a natural polysaccharide emulsifying agent.

Efficacy of co-administration of modified apple polysaccharide and probiotics in guar gum-Eudragit S100 based mesalamine mini tablets: A novel approach in treating ulcerative colitis

Modified Apple Polysaccharide (MAP) has been reported to cure colorectal diseases by up-regulating apoptosis and down regulating metastasis. In the present study, mesalamine (MES) and MAP mini tablets have been prepared and co-administered with probiotics to provide site specific release of drug. Probiotics along with MAP, which acts as a prebiotic would replenish the colonic microflora that have been compromised due to colorectal pathology. MES mini tablets were prepared keeping guar gum in the core and coating them with Eudragit S100 and guar gum. The optimized batch was explored for its curative potential on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rat model with and without administration of probiotic and MAP. The results revealed that the rats treated with the combination of MAP and MES mini tablets along with probiotics show maximum curative potential. It was also observed that MAP mini tablets show better curative potential as compared to probiotics. The results of disease activity index, macroscopic scoring, antioxidant studies, tumour alpha and histopathological examination suggested that the rats treated with combination of MES-MAP mini tablets and probiotics have maximum therapeutic effect followed by MES mini tablets alone, MAP mini tablets alone and probiotics.

Solidification of liquid Modified Apple Polysaccharide by its adsorption on solid porous carriers through spray drying and evaluation of its potential as binding agent for tablets

In the present study application of Modified Apple Polysaccharide (MAP) as tablet binder was evaluated. Liquid MAP was extracted from apple and solidified by adsorbing it on porous surface of Aerosil-200 and trehalose and this dispersion was dried using spray dryer. The concentration of excipients as well as spray drying conditions was optimised by using Box Behnken Design to achieve desirable powder characteristics. The optimised batch of solid MAP was characterized by DSC, PXRD, SEM, and FT-IR studies that confirmed complete adsorption of liquid MAP on the surface of Aerosil-200 and trehalose. This solid MAP was investigated for its binding efficacy for tablet formulation and its binding potential was compared with acacia and polyvinyl pyrrolidone K-30. Mesalamine (model drug) granules containing different concentration of binders were prepared by wet granulation. The granules were evaluated for micromeritic properties and results were found within the pharmacopoeial limits. The prepared tablets were subjected for post compression studies such as hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution, physical stability, content uniformity and percentage elastic recovery and their results were found good. At 2.5% w/w concentration in tablet, the solid MAP has shown shorter disintegration time and faster dissolution profile as compared to other concentrations used including good physico-mechanical properties.

Modified apple polysaccharide influences MUC-1 expression to prevent ICR mice from colitis-associated carcinogenesis

The present study tried to assess the effects of modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) on colitis associated carcinogenesis and the expression of Mucin 1(MUC1). One hundred and twenty 5-week-old male ICR mice were used. The control mice were just administrated with saline, and the rest mice were injected intraperitoneally with 1, 2-dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). In the 7th week, the mice in MAP-treated groups were bred with the basal diets mixed with different doses of MAP (w/w: 1.25%, 2.5% and 5%) for 13 weeks. The pathological findings demonstrated that: in the 20th week, adenocarcinoma and/or adenoma occurred in the colons of all the mice in model group. MAP treatment decreased the incidence of colorectal cancer significantly. In the early phase of inflammation, MUC1 expression in colonic mucosa had no significant changes. However, when the inflammation developed and tumor formed, MUC1 expression increased remarkably (P < 0.01). And the MAP treatment (especially at the dose of 5%) reduced MUC1 expression significantly. These data suggested that MAP could prevent against colitis associated colorectal cancer in ICR mice effectively, and MUC1 may be a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.

Modified apple polysaccharide prevents colitis through modulating IL-22 and IL-22BP expression

Chronic intestinal inflammation enhances cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration, then promotes the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Many ingredients of apples have been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, and show benefits for colitis treatment. In our previous studies, we found modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) could prevent colitis associated colorectal carcinogenesis effectively. Herein, we further our study to observe the effect of MAP on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and to investigate the possible mechanisms. IL-22 has both pathogenic and protective effects during intestinal tissue damage. It could be neutralized by the soluble IL-22 receptor, known as the IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP). A DSS-induced colitis mouse model, a mouse CRC cell line MCA-38 and a mouse dendritic cell line DC2.4 were treated with MAP. Western blot, ELISA, BrdU staining and a co-culture system were used to detect the expression of IL-22 and IL-22BP. MAP significantly protected ICR mice against DSS-induced colitis, and inhibited the growth of MCA-38 cells. The mechanisms may be that MAP down-regulated IL-22 level and up-regulated expression of IL-22BP. These data may provide another molecular basis for understanding how apples act to prevent colitis and suggest that MAP has a potential to treat colitis and prevent CRC.

Thinned young apple polysaccharide improves hepatic metabolic disorder in high-fat diet-induced obese mice by activating mitochondrial respiratory functions

Apple polysaccharides have been previously demonstrated to have beneficial effects on hepatic metabolic functions. Approximately 1.9 million tons of young apples are thinned and abandoned annually in China, and whether the polysaccharide derived from these thinned young apples has metabolic benefits lacks evidence. Thinned young apple polysaccharide (TYAP) has been investigated in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice for its effect on metabolic disorder. Water-soluble TYAP was isolated from thinned young apples and chemically characterized. TYAP administration at dosages of 400mg/kg/day and 800mg/kg/day significantly rescued HFD-induced hepatic metabolic impairment, reduced body weight gain, and ameliorated hepatic oxidative stress induced by HFD. In a palmitate-loaded HepG2 cell model, TYAP protected the cells from palmitate-induced insulin resistance and viability loss, suppressed mitochondrial ROS and improved the mitochondrial respiratory function impaired by palmitate. These findings suggest that TYAP could successfully attenuate obesity-associated hepatic metabolic disorder possibly by activating the hepatic mitochondrial respiratory function.

Apple Polysaccharide inhibits microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation and modulates gut permeability in HFD-fed rats

The saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has been known for over 150 years, and numerous studies have shown that apple consumption is closely associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases. It has been well accepted that dysbiosis is the reflection of various chronic diseases. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of apple polysaccharides (AP) on gut dysbiosis. High-fat diet (HFD) fed rats were treated for 14 weeks with AP. The microbiota composition, microbiota-generated short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut permeability and chronic inflammation were analyzed. AP treatment showed higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus while lower Firmicutes and Fusobacteium. AP significantly increased total SCFAs level that contributed by acetic acid and isobutyric acid. Moreover, AP dramatically alleviated dysbiosis-associated gut permeability and chronic inflammation with decreased plasma LBP, up-regulation of Occludin, down-regulation of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL-1) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). The potential mechanism is due to the fact that AP reduces gut permeability, which involves the induction of autophagy in goblet cells. Therefore, AP exerts health benefits through inhibiting gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation and modulating gut permeability in HFD-induced dysbiosis rats.

Apple Polysaccharide Reduces Nf-Kb Mediated Colitis-Associated Colon Carcinogenesis

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is an important molecule in mediating inflammatory colitis, which can lead to colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of apple polysaccharide extract (AP) in inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathways in CRC. We evaluated AP in vitro in HT-29 and SW620 human CRC cells. We also used the azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulphate (AOM/DSS) model to induce colon carcinogenesis in vivo. The chemoprotective effects of AP were assessed using Western blot, immunofluorescence assay, real-time PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and flow cytometry. AP reduced AOM/DSS-associated toxicities, prevented carcinogenesis, and decreased the expression of TLR4, MD2, MyD88, TRAM, TRIF-related adapter molecule, interferon-β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. The protective effects of AP may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/MD2-mediated signaling, including MyD88 and TRIF, as well as the inhibition of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways. Therefore, AP could be used in combination therapy for the prevention of colitis-associated colon cancer.

Modified apple polysaccharides suppress the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells induced by lipopolysaccharide

Metastasis is the major cause of death in colorectal cancer (CRC). In colitis-associated carcinogenesis, the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) occurs via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding to the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway contributes to the development and metastasis of colitis-associated colon cancer. In the present study, we hypothesized that an extracted modified Fuji apple polysaccharide (MAP) would alter the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Thus, we evaluated the effect of MAP in vitro on the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway in CRC cells (HT-29 and SW620 cells). The results suggest that (i) MAP competed with LPS for binding to TLR4 to reduce LPS-induced NF-κB expression and (ii) MAP suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. MAP significantly decreased LPS-induced expression of TLR4, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), matrix metallopeptidase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and prostaglandin E2, and it increased the protein expression of the inhibitor of κBα and NF-κB p65 in cytoplasm when it was given in combination with LPS. These results indicate that MAP suppressed LPS-induced migration and invasiveness of CRC cells by targeting the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Therefore, we propose that MAP has potential for the clinical prevention of CRC cell metastasis.

Oligosaccharide from apple induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HT29 human colon cancer cells

It is reported that apple polysaccharide can prevent colon cancer growth and impede colon cancer progression. Apple oligosaccharide was prepared by the combination of alkaline hydrolysis and enzymolysis of apple polysaccharides, and purified by anion column chromatography. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of apple oligosaccharide on the cellular viability of human colon carcinoma cells (HT29 cells) and its mechanism. The results showed that apple oligosaccharide decreased the cellular viability of HT29 cells in dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile it enhanced the expression of Bax; and decreased the levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Apple oligosaccharide induced cell cycle arrest in S phase, which correlated with the decreased expression of Cdk 2 and cyclin B1. These results indicated that apple oligosaccharide attenuated HT29 cell viability by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Apple oligosaccharide is a potential chemoprevention agent or anti-tumor agent and is worthy of further study.

Modified apple polysaccharide prevents against tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer: role of galectin-3 and apoptosis in cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and preventable cancers. Regular consumption of apples is conducive to reduction in CRC risk. To evaluate effects of modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) on tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer. One hundred male ICR mice were administered with 1, 2-dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Forty mice were given no further treatment, the rest were fed basal diet blended with three different doses of MAP; 2.5, 5, and 10% (20 mice in each group). MAP significantly protected ICR mice against DMH/DSS-induced tumorigenesis. The incidence of tumor development was 90% (18/20) in the mice treated with DMH/DSS, but that was reduced to 25% (5/20), 15% (3/20), and 5% (1/20), respectively, in the mice treated with basal diets plus 2.5, 5, and 10% of MAP. Study of apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells revealed that MAP moderately increased apoptosis, suggesting that the anti-tumor potency of MAP was probably attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 changed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm during the process from colitis to colon cancer in the model. And MAP could inhibit the binding of galectin-3 to its ligand: this is, at least in part, the possible mechanism of MAP by enhancing apoptosis and preventing tumorigenesis. These data suggest that MAP has a potential role in clinical prevention and treatment for colon cancer.