Microencapsulated Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus gasseri in Combination with Quercetin Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Development in ApcMin/+ Mice

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that flavonoids such as quercetin and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bf) and Lactobacillus gasseri (Lg) could play a relevant role in inhibiting colon cancer cell growth. Our study investigated the role of dietary supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics (Bf and Lg) along with quercetin in the development of mouse colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Adenomatous polyposis coli/multiple intestinal neoplasia (ApcMin/+) mice were fed a standard diet or the same diet supplemented with microencapsulated probiotics (Bf and Lg strains, 107 CFU/100 g food) or both probiotics strains plus microencapsulated quercetin (15 mg/100 g food) for 73 days. Changes in body and organ weights, energy metabolism, intestinal microbiota, and colon tissue were determined. The expression of genes related to the Wnt pathway was also analyzed in colon samples. Results: Dietary supplementation with microencapsulated probiotics or microencapsulated probiotics plus quercetin reduced body weight loss and intestinal bleeding in ApcMin/+ mice. An improvement in energy expenditure was observed after 8 weeks but not after 10 weeks of treatment. A supplemented diet with microencapsulated Bf and Lg reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenomas by 45% and 60%, respectively, whereas the supplementation with Bf, Lg and quercetin decreased the number of ACF and adenomas by 57% and 80%, respectively. Microencapsulated Bf and Lg in combination with quercetin could exert inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the colon of ApcMin/+ mice Conclusions: The administration of microencapsulated Bf and Lg, individually or in combination with quercetin, inhibits the CRC development in ApcMin/+ mice.

A Comprehensive View on the Quercetin Impact on Colorectal Cancer

“…From the perspective of the tumor nodule number, quercetin has been observed to positively impact the prognosis of the tested rodents [ 139 , 162 , 163 , 164 ]. However, the molecular mechanism was not monitored in the reviewed studies ( Table 7 ).…”

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Sphingomyelin and Probiotics on Colon Cancer Development in Mice

“…Moreover, the dietary supplementation decreased the number of ACF as compared to D group, as found in [37]. Finally, the inhibition of tumor formation due to dietary sphingomyelin has been attributed to a normalization of cell proliferation and rate of apoptosis, but not the induction of differentiation [12].…”

Management of Dietary Habits and Diarrhea in Fap Individuals: A Mediterranean Low-Inflammatory Dietary Intervention

“…Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are able to reduce the number of polyps in FAP, severe cardiovascular effects have been reported [20], pointing out the need to find alternative treatments without the risk of developing side effects. Experimental models recently suggested that dietary supplements (phytoestrogens, insoluble fibers, probiotics, quercetin, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) might be useful to reduce intestinal carcinogenesis in rats mutated in the APC gene [21][22][23][24]. Recently, a small non-randomized study of three-month oral supplementation with phytoestrogens and indigestible insoluble fibers showed a reduction in the number and size of duodenal polyps in FAP individuals [25].…”