Curcumin's effect on intestinal inflammation and tumorigenesis in the ApcMin/+ mouse.
Curcumin's benefits on tumorigenesis are thought to be mediated by its antiinflammatory activity; however, these effects have not been well characterized in a mouse model of colon cancer. We examined the effects of curcumin on intestinal inflammation in the Apc(Min/+) mouse. Apc(Min/+) mice were given a placebo or curcumin (2%) diet from 4 to 18 weeks of age (n = 10/group). C57BL/6 mice were used as a wild-type control (n = 10/group). Intestines were analyzed for polyp burden (sections 1, 4, and 5) and for mRNA expression, and concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) (sections 2 and 3). Plasma was collected for concentration of CCL2. Curcumin decreased total intestinal polyps by 75% (P < 0.05) in all size categories [>2 mm (65%), 1-2 mm (72%), <1 mm (82%); P < 0.05]. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CCL2 was elevated (P < 0.05) and curcumin blunted this increase (P < 0.05). Protein concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 (section 3), and CCL2 was increased (P < 0.05) and curcumin reduced this response for IL-1β (section 2) and CCL2 (P < 0.05). Curcumin also offset the increase in plasma CCL2 (P < 0.05). The benefits of curcumin in colon cancer may be at least in part mediated by its antiinflammatory activity.
Murphy
E Angela
EA
Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA. murphye@mailbox.sc.edu
Davis
J Mark
JM
McClellan
Jamie L
JL
Gordon
Benjamin T
BT
Carmichael
Martin D
MD
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D007249:Inflammation; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D011897:Random Allocation
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016207:Cytokines; D003474:Curcumin