Antitumor activity of the β-glucan paramylon from Euglena against preneoplastic colonic aberrant crypt foci in mice

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of β-glucans isolated from Euglena on the formation of preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon were examined in mice. Mice were fed a semi-purified AIN-93M diet containing cellulose or the same diet but with the cellulose replaced with β-glucans in the form of Euglena, paramylon, or amorphous paramylon, for 11 weeks. After consuming these dietary supplements for 8 days, half of the mice were intraperitoneally administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at a dose of 20 mg kg(-1) body weight every week for 6 weeks. Among the DMH-treated groups, the paramylon- and amorphous paramylon-fed mice displayed a significantly lower number of ACF than the control group. Also, the liver weight of the paramylon group was markedly decreased compared with those of the control and Euglena groups, whereas the cecal content weight and fecal volume of the paramylon group were significantly increased. As for the levels of organic acids in the cecal contents, the paramylon group displayed significantly increased lactic acid levels compared with the control and Euglena groups. From these findings, although the mechanism of the ACF-inhibiting effects of paramylon remains unclear, it is considered that β-glucans, such as paramylon and its isomer amorphous paramylon, have preventive effects against colon cancer and are more effective against the condition than Euglena.

Genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity evaluation of dried Euglena gracilis ATCC PTA-123017

“…Similar to beta-1,3-glucans originating from fungal/yeast sources, paramylon also appears to have immune priming properties (Kankkunen et al, 2010). Paramylon consumption has been reported to have anti-tumor activity against preneoplastic colonic aberrant crypt foci in mice, inhibit the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, and oral administration of paramylon granules had immunostimulatory effects in rainbow trout vaccinated against Yersinia ruckeri (Sugiyama et al, 2010;Skov et al, 2012;Watanabe et al, 2013). These findings suggest that paramylon and/or preparations of E. gracilis biomass may have potential utility as functional food ingredients or dietary supplements for human nutrition and/or for animal feed purposes.…”

Euglena gracilis paramylon activates human lymphocytes by upregulating pro‐inflammatory factors

“…; Watanabe et al. ). It has been proven to potentiate the resistance of Artemia brine shrimp to stress conditions resulting from poor growth medium quality and daily handling, and to enhance its reproductive success (Vismara et al.…”

Large-Scale Cultivation of Euglena

“…E. gracilis also contains all essential vitamins and nutritionally important polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid in the cells (Stern et al 1960;Baker et al 1981) (euglena Co., Ltd., unpublished). In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the functionality of the Euglena-specific reserve polysaccharide, paramylon (Sugiyama et al 2009(Sugiyama et al , 2010Watanabe et al 2013), suggesting the commercial potential of E. gracilis.…”