Excessive consumption of beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is associated with obesity and with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Whether HFCS contributes directly to tumorigenesis is unclear. We investigated the effects of daily oral administration of HFCS in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutant mice, which are predisposed to develop intestinal tumors. The HFCS-treated mice showed a substantial increase in tumor size and tumor grade in the absence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. HFCS increased the concentrations of fructose and glucose in the intestinal lumen and serum, respectively, and the tumors transported both sugars. Within the tumors, fructose was converted to fructose-1-phosphate, leading to activation of glycolysis and increased synthesis of fatty acids that support tumor growth. These mouse studies support the hypothesis that the combination of dietary glucose and fructose, even at a moderate dose, can enhance tumorigenesis.

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Adhesions are an abnormal union of membranous surfaces. They are a painful and expensive consequence of abdominal surgeries, specifically in the peritoneal cavity. This complication requires a second surgery to remove the problem, known as adhesiolysis, which we are trying to avoid. Current solutions to adhesion formation either lack efficacy or induce an inflammatory response in the peritoneum. Our focus is to develop a post-surgical adhesion prevention polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) film, composed of an optimal ratio of chitosan (Chi) and polygalacturonic acid (PgA) to prevent adhesion formation. Adhesive properties of fibroblasts and macrophages on the PEC were also studied, since both cell types play a central role in the adhesion formation process. Additionally, we examined PEC attachment methods, ultimately for in vivo application. Current in vitro studies evaluated the material properties of the film to determine the stability of the material. The results of our studies identified certain ratios of Chi-PgA films which are mechanically consistent for use as intra-peritoneal barriers. Furthermore, their potential as anti-adhesive barriers were further supported by the fact that their surfaces are non-permissive for viable fibroblast and macrophage attachment.