Effects of Cheonggukjang (Fermented Soybean) on the Development of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and is caused by multiple factors. Chronic inflammation, known to cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is closely associated with CRC. Cheonggukjang (CJ), a traditional Korean fermented soybean, is a functional food with anti-inflammatory effects in the intestines, but its anti-cancer effects have not yet been explored. In this study, we investigated the cancer-protective effects of cheonggukjang in an azoxymethane/DSS (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) mouse model. The CJ alleviated AOM/DSS-induced pathological symptoms such as colonic shortening, increased spleen weight, tumor formation, and histological changes. It also modulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels via the suppression of NF-κB and inflammatory mediator signaling pathways. Furthermore, the CJ improved intestinal integrity by regulating mucin-associated and tight junction proteins. In addition, it suppressed tumor growth by regulating apoptosis and proliferation. These results highlight the anti-tumor effects of CJ in an AOM/DSS-induced CAC mouse model.

High poly-γ-glutamic acid-containing natto improves lipid metabolism and alters intestinal microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet

“…Cheonggukjang is a traditional Korean fermented soybean that contains significant amounts of γ-PGA. ( 38 ) Administration of cheonggukjang to mice modulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels via the suppression of NF-κB and inflammatory mediator signaling pathways. ( 38 ) The mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines ( Il-4 and Il-10 ) in the large intestine of mice were significantly higher in the cheonggukjang group than in the non-administered control group.…”

“…( 38 ) Administration of cheonggukjang to mice modulated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels via the suppression of NF-κB and inflammatory mediator signaling pathways. ( 38 ) The mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines ( Il-4 and Il-10 ) in the large intestine of mice were significantly higher in the cheonggukjang group than in the non-administered control group. ( 38 ) Our results showed that the mRNA levels of Il-4 and Il-10 in the large intestine of the NA group tended to be higher than those in the Con group.…”

“…( 38 ) The mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines ( Il-4 and Il-10 ) in the large intestine of mice were significantly higher in the cheonggukjang group than in the non-administered control group. ( 38 ) Our results showed that the mRNA levels of Il-4 and Il-10 in the large intestine of the NA group tended to be higher than those in the Con group. Additionally, the ratio of Ifn-γ / Il-4 expression in the large intestine was significantly greater in the Con group than in the NA group Therefore, the γ-PGA contained in the natto provided in the NA group diet might have affected the higher mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Il-4 and Il-10 , in the large intestine of mice.…”

Evaluation of Body Changes and the Anti-Obesity Effect after Consumption of Korean Fermented Food, Cheonggukjang: Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

“…However, despite the regular consumption of traditional fermented products, i.e., Cheonggukjang, no cases of illness or death caused by BA in these fermented foods have been reported. Simultaneously, research continues to produce evidence of the potential health benefits of consuming these traditional fermented foods [21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

Gochujang, a traditional Korean fermented food, protects through suppressed inflammatory pathways and histological structure disruption in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice

“…Microbial analysis of Gochujang was measured as previously described using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) [ 26 ]. DNA from Gochujang (TCG22-25 and TCG22-48) was extracted using the DNeasy PowerSoil Kit (Qiagen, Germany).…”