Fucoxanthin Prevents Colorectal Cancer Development in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-treated ApcMin/+ Mice

Background/aim A xanthophyll of fucoxanthin (Fx) is a potential chemopreventive agent. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disease that is associated with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, it remains unclear whether Fx can modify colorectal tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice, a model mouse for human FAP. Materials and methods We investigated the chemopreventive effect of Fx in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated ApcMin/+ mice. Results Administration of Fx in the diet for 5 weeks significantly suppressed the number of colorectal adenocarcinomas in DSS-treated male ApcMin/+ mice, although the treatment did not affect the occurrence of colorectal dysplastic crypts and adenoma in the mice. In addition, Fx down-regulated cyclin D1 expression (0.6-fold) in colorectal mucosa of ApcMin/+ mice when compared with that of the control mice. Conclusion Fx possesses chemopreventive potential against progression of colorectal carcinogenesis in ApcMin/+ mice that receive inflammatory stimuli.