Effects of lyophilized black raspberries on azoxymethane-induced colon cancer and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in the Fischer 344 rat

This study examined the effects of lyophilized black raspberries (BRB) on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF), colon tumors, and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in male Fischer 344 rats. A OM was injected (15 mg/kg body wt ip) once per week for 2 wk. At 24 h after the final injection, AOM-treated rats began consuming diets containing 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% (wt/wt) BRB. Vehicle controls received 5% BRB or diet only. Rats were sacrificed after 9 and 33 wk of BRB feeding for ACF enumeration and tumor analysis. ACF multiplicity decreased 36%, 24%, and 21% (P < 0.01 for all groups) in the 2.5%, 5%, and 10% BRB groups, respectively, relative to the AOM-only group. Total tumor multiplicity declined 42%, 45%, and 71% (P < 0.05 for all groups). Although-not significant, a decrease in tumor burden (28%, 42%, and 75%) was observed in all BRB groups. Adenocarcinoma multiplicity decreased 28%, 35%, and 80% (P < 0.01) in the same treatment groups. Urinary 8-OHdG levels were reduced by 73%, 81%, and 83% (P < 0.01 for all groups). These results indicate that BRB inhibit several measures of AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis and modulate an important marker of oxidative stress, in the Fischer 344 rat.