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Falsetti I, Palmini G, Iantomasi T, Brandi ML, Tonelli F. Mechanisms of Action of Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:640. [PMID: 38794302 PMCID: PMC11125335 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disease characterized by the development of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum already in adolescence. If left untreated, patients develop colorectal cancer (CRC) with a 100% probability. To date, the gold standard of FAP management is surgery, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. A chemopreventive agent capable of delaying, preventing and reversing the development of CRC has been sought. Several classes of drugs have been used but to date no chemopreventive drug has been found for the management of this disease. In recent years, the importance of estrogen receptors in FAP and CRC, particularly the β subtype, has emerged. Indeed, the expression of the latter is strongly reduced in adenomatous polyps and CRC and is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. Since phytoestrogens have a high affinity for this receptor, they have been suggested for use as chemopreventive agents in FAP and CRC. A combination of phytoestrogens and insoluble fibres has proved particularly effective. In this review, the various mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens were analyzed and the effectiveness of using phytoestrogens as an effective chemopreventive strategy was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Falsetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (I.F.); (T.I.)
| | - Gaia Palmini
- Fondazione Italiana Ricerca sulle Malattie dell’Osso (FIRMO Onlus), 50129 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Teresa Iantomasi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (I.F.); (T.I.)
| | - Maria Luisa Brandi
- Fondazione Italiana Ricerca sulle Malattie dell’Osso (FIRMO Onlus), 50129 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (M.L.B.)
| | - Francesco Tonelli
- Fondazione Italiana Ricerca sulle Malattie dell’Osso (FIRMO Onlus), 50129 Florence, Italy; (G.P.); (M.L.B.)
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Ditonno I, Novielli D, Celiberto F, Rizzi S, Rendina M, Ierardi E, Di Leo A, Losurdo G. Molecular Pathways of Carcinogenesis in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065687. [PMID: 36982759 PMCID: PMC10056005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic syndrome characterized by the presence of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and a wide range of systemic extra-intestinal manifestations. Patients affected will inevitably undergo abdominal surgery due to the malignant transformation of one or more adenomas. The pathogenesis of the disease is based on a loss of function mutation in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a tumor-suppressor gene, inherited following a Mendelian pattern. This gene is a key component of multiple cell functions that cooperate for homeostasis; when mutated, it contributes to the progression of colorectal adenoma into cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that several additional mechanisms may influence this process, such as alterations in gut microbiota composition and mucosal barrier immunity, interaction with the immune microenvironment and inflammation, the hormone estrogen, and other signaling pathways. These factors represent promising targets of future therapies and chemoprevention, aiming to alter the progressive nature of the disease and improve the quality of life of families affected. Therefore, we performed a narrative review about the current knowledge of the aforementioned pathways involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis in FAP, exploring the genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of CRC in FAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ditonno
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Novielli
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Celiberto
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Course in Organs and Tissues Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Precision Medicine Jonic Area, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rizzi
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Rendina
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Estrogen Receptors in Colorectal Cancer: Facts, Novelties and Perspectives. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4256-4263. [PMID: 34898546 PMCID: PMC8544350 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second cause of cancer-related death in both sexes worldwide. As pre-menopausal women are less likely to develop CRC compared to age-matched men, a protective role for estrogens has been hypothesized. Indeed, two isoforms of nuclear estrogen receptors (ER) have been described: ERα and ERβ. While the binding of 17beta-estradiol to ERα activates anti-apoptotic pathways, the interaction with ERβ activates caspase-3, inducing apoptosis. In this regard, several pieces of evidence show that ERβ tends to be under-regulated in advanced adenomas and CRC, with an opposite trend for ERα. Furthermore, ERβ stimulation slows adenomatous polyp growth and modulates relevant CRC pathways. Based on such considerations, dietary modulation of ER is promising, particularly in subjects with genetic predisposition for CRC. Nevertheless, the main limitation is the lack of clinical trials on a large population scale.
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Girardi B, Pricci M, Giorgio F, Piazzolla M, Iannone A, Losurdo G, Principi M, Barone M, Ierardi E, Di Leo A. Silymarin, boswellic acid and curcumin enriched dietetic formulation reduces the growth of inherited intestinal polyps in an animal model. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1601-1612. [PMID: 32327909 PMCID: PMC7167411 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i14.1601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some substances of plant origin have been reported to exert an effect in reducing intestinal neoplasm development, especially in animal models. Adenomatous polyposis coli multiple intestinal neoplasia - ApcMin/+ is the most studied murine model of genetic intestinal carcinogenesis.
AIM To assess whether an enriched nutritional formulation (silymarin, boswellic acid and curcumin) with proven “in vitro” and “in vivo” anti-carcinogenetic properties may prevent inherited intestinal cancer in animal model.
METHODS Forty adenomatous polyposis coli multiple intestinal neoplasia - ApcMin/+ mice were used for the study of cancer prevention. They were divided into two groups: 20 assumed standard and 20 enriched diet. At the 110th d animals were sacrificed. In each group, four subgroups received intraperitoneal bromodeoxyuridine injection at different times (24, 48, 72 and 96 h before the sacrifice) in order to assess epithelial turnover. Moreover, we evaluated the following parameters: Intestinal polypoid lesion number and size on autoptic tissue, dysplasia and neoplasia areas by histological examination of the whole small intestine, inflammation by histology and cytokine mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction, bromodeoxyuridine and TUNEL immuno-fluorescence for epithelial turnover and apoptosis, respectively. Additionally, we performed western blotting analysis for the expression of estrogen alpha and beta receptors, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase 3 in normal and polypoid tissues.
RESULTS Compared to standard, enriched diet reduced the total number (203 vs 416) and the mean ± SD/animal (12.6 ± 5.0 vs 26.0 ± 8.8; P < 0.001) of polypoid lesions. In enriched diet group a reduction in polyp size was observed (P < 0.001). Histological inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were similar in both groups. Areas of low-grade dysplasia (P < 0.001) and intestinal carcinoma (IC; P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in enriched diet group. IC was observed in 100% in standard and 85% in enriched formulation assuming animals. Enriched diet showed a faster epithelial migration and an increased apoptosis in normal mucosa and low-grade dysplasia areas (P < 0.001). At western blotting, estrogen receptor beta protein was well expressed in normal mucosa of enriched and standard groups, with a more marked trend associated to the first one. Estrogen receptor alpha was similarly expressed in normal and polypoid mucosa of standard and enriched diet group. Cleaved caspase 3 showed in normal mucosa a stronger signal in enriched than in standard diet. Cyclin D1 was more expressed in standard than enriched diet group of both normal and polypoid tissue.
CONCLUSION Our results are suggestive of a chemo-preventive synergic effect of the components (silymarin, boswellic acid and curcumin) of an enriched formulation in inherited IC. This effect may be mediated by the reduction of epithelial proliferation, the increase of apoptosis and the acceleration of villous cell renewal due to dietary formulation intake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariano Piazzolla
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari 70124, Italy
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Pricci M, Girardi B, Giorgio F, Losurdo G, Ierardi E, Di Leo A. Curcumin and Colorectal Cancer: From Basic to Clinical Evidences. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2364. [PMID: 32235371 PMCID: PMC7178200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin diffuses through cell membranes into the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus, where it exerts actions, as an antioxidant property. Therefore, its use has been advocated for chemopreventive, antimetastatic, and anti-angiogenic purposes. We conducted a literature review to summarize studies investigating the relationship between curcumin and colorectal cancer (CRC). In vitro studies, performed on human colon cancer cell lines, showed that curcumin inhibited cellular growth through cycle arrest at the G2/M and G1 phases, as well as stimulated apoptosis by interacting with multiple molecular targets. In vivo studies have been performed in inflammatory and genetic CRC animal models with a chemopreventive effect. To improve curcumin bioavailability, it has been associated with small particles that increase its absorption when orally administered with excellent results on both inflammation and carcinogenesis. Curcumin has been used, moreover, as a component of dietetic formulations for CRC chemoprevention. These combinations showed in vitro and in vivo anticarcinogenetic properties in inflammation-related and genetic CRC. A synergic effect was suggested using an individual constituent dosage, which was lower than that experimentally used "in vivo" for single components. In conclusion, curcumin falls within the category of plant origin substances able to prevent CRC in animals. This property offers promising expectations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pricci
- THD S. p.A., 42015 Correggio (RE), Italy; (M.P.); (B.G.); (F.G.)
| | - Bruna Girardi
- THD S. p.A., 42015 Correggio (RE), Italy; (M.P.); (B.G.); (F.G.)
| | - Floriana Giorgio
- THD S. p.A., 42015 Correggio (RE), Italy; (M.P.); (B.G.); (F.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (E.I.)
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (E.I.)
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (E.I.)
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Supplementation with phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers reduces intestinal carcinogenesis and restores ER-β expression in Apc-driven colorectal carcinogenesis. Eur J Cancer Prev 2019; 29:27-35. [PMID: 31651566 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Supplementation with phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers has been reported to reduce duodenal polyps in colectomized familial adenomatous polyposis patients, with a mechanism involving, at least in part, upregulation of estrogen receptor-β subtype, whose expression is lowered during intestinal tumorigenesis. These data suggest a protective effect also in the colon, the main target organ for tumorigenesis in familial adenomatous polyposis and a major cancer type in non-familial (sporadic) cancers. Therefore, we tested whether a similar preparation might reduce tumorigenesis in the colon of Pirc rats (F344/NTac-Apc) mutated in the Apc gene and thus, like familial adenomatous polyposis patients, spontaneously developing multiple tumors in the colon. We first demonstrate that estrogen receptor-β expression in Pirc rat colon is significantly down-regulated compared to age-matched wt rats. Then, Pirc rats aged 1 month were treated for 3 months with Adipol (Adi), a patented preparation containing phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers. Colon tumorigenesis was significantly reduced by Adi treatment (colon tumors/rat were 5.3 ± 0.8 and 2.9 ± 0.3, Mucin Depleted Foci/rat 127 ± 6.6 and 97.1 ± 8.6 in Controls and Adi-treated rats, respectively, means ± SE, P < 0.01). The treatment also normalized colon proliferation pattern along the crypt and significantly increased apoptosis in colon tumors. Estrogen receptor-β expression was increased by Adi treatment, especially in the tumors. These positive effects suggest that Adipol may be exploited as a chemopreventive agent to reduce cancer risk in familial adenomatous polyposis patients and to postpone prophylactic colectomy. Moreover, given the similarities between familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic colorectal cancer, it might also be used as chemopreventive agent in colorectal cancer patients at risk.
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Viggiani MT, Polimeno L, Di Leo A, Barone M. Phytoestrogens: Dietary Intake, Bioavailability, and Protective Mechanisms against Colorectal Neoproliferative Lesions. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081709. [PMID: 31344966 PMCID: PMC6722977 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are natural substances that have been extensively studied for their beneficial effect on human health. Herein, we analyzed the data of the literature on the role of phytoestrogens in the prevention of colorectal neoproliferative lesions (CNL). Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on CNL mainly depend on their ability to bind estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in the intestinal mucosa and counter ER-alpha (ERα) activity. Epidemiological data demonstrate a correlation between the low prevalence of CNL in Eastern populations and the consumption of soy products (phytoestrogen-enriched diet). However, both observational and interventional studies have produced inconclusive results. In our opinion, these discrepancies depend on an inadequate evaluation of phytoestrogen intake (dietary questionnaires were not aimed at establishing phytoestrogen intake) and absorption (depending mainly on the intestinal microbiota of the analyzed subjects). For this reason, in the present review, we performed an overview of phytoestrogen dietary intake and metabolism to offer the reader the opportunity for a better interpretation of the literature. Future prospective trials focusing on the protective effect of phytoestrogens against CNL should take into account both their dietary intake and absorption, considering the effective role of the intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Viggiani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Polimeno
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Girardi B, Principi M, Pricci M, Giorgio F, Iannone A, Losurdo G, Ierardi E, Di Leo A, Barone M. Chemoprevention of inflammation-related colorectal cancer by silymarin-, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid-, curcumin- and maltodextrin-enriched dietetic formulation in animal model. Carcinogenesis 2018; 39:1274-1282. [PMID: 30084990 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
On the basis of preliminary in vitro experience, we assessed whether an enriched nutritional formulation with estrogen receptor (ER)-beta agonist and anti-inflammatory properties may prevent inflammation-associated colorectal cancer (CRC) in an animal model. Study sample enclosed 110 C57BL/6J male mice. Forty underwent dietary supplement safety assessment (20 standard diet and 20 enriched formulation). Seventy were treated with azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium and divided into two groups: 35 received standard diet and 35 enriched formulation (curcumin, boswellic acids, silymarin and maltodextrins). Miniature colonoscopy demonstrated colitis and solid lesion development in five mice/group 100 days after first AOM injection. Mice were killed after 10 days. In each group, four subgroups received intraperitoneal bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection at 24th/48th/72nd/96th hour before killing. Anti-inflammatory effect and chemoprevention were evaluated by lesion number/size, histological inflammation/dysplasia/neoplasia assessment, pro-inflammatory cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA), ER-beta/ER-alpha/BrdU immunohistochemistry and TUNEL immunofluorescence. Standard formulation assumption was associated with colon shortening compared with enriched one (P = 0.04), which reduced solid lesion number and size (P < 0.001 for both), histological inflammation score (P = 0.04), pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression (P < 0.001), number of low-grade dysplasia (LGD; P = 0.03) and high-grade dysplasia (P < 0.001) areas. CRC was observed in 69.6% in standard and 23.5% in enriched formulation assuming animals (P < 0.001). Enriched formulation induced lower ER-alpha expression in CRC (P < 0.001) and higher ER-beta expression in LGD (P < 0.001) being associated to higher epithelial turnover (BrdU; P<0.001) in normal mucosa and increased apoptosis in LGD and CRC (P < 0.001 for both). Our results are promising for a successful anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effect of enriched formulation in CRC arising from inflamed tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariabeatrice Principi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Iannone
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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