Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects of wheat bran in vivo

Genet Mol Res. 2013 May 14;12(2):1646-59. doi: 10.4238/2013.May.14.5.

Abstract

Previous studies in rodents treated with the pro-carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine suggested that the consumption of wheat bran protected against DNA damage in the colon and rectum. Based on this information, we evaluated wheat bran as a functional food in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer. We used the aberrant crypt focus assay to evaluate the anticarcinogenic potential of wheat bran (Triticum aestivum variety CD-104), the comet assay to evaluate its antigenotoxicity potential, and the micronucleus assay to evaluate its antimutagenic potential. The wheat bran gave good antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic responses; the DNA damage decreased from 90.30 to 26.37% and from 63.35 to 28.73%, respectively. However, the wheat bran did not significantly reduce genotoxicity. Further tests will be necessary, including tests in human beings, before this functional food can be recommended as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antimutagenic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Colon / drug effects
  • Colon / pathology
  • DNA Damage
  • Dietary Fiber / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Micronucleus Tests
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Antimutagenic Agents
  • Dietary Fiber