Curcumin's Effect on Intestinal Inflammation and Tumorigenesis in the ApcMin/+ Mouse

Curcumin's benefits on tumorigenesis are thought to be mediated by its antiinflammatory activity; however, these effects have not been well characterized in a mouse model of colon cancer. We examined the effects of curcumin on intestinal inflammation in the Apc(Min/+) mouse. Apc(Min/+) mice were given a placebo or curcumin (2%) diet from 4 to 18 weeks of age (n = 10/group). C57BL/6 mice were used as a wild-type control (n = 10/group). Intestines were analyzed for polyp burden (sections 1, 4, and 5) and for mRNA expression, and concentration of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) (sections 2 and 3). Plasma was collected for concentration of CCL2. Curcumin decreased total intestinal polyps by 75% (P < 0.05) in all size categories [>2mm (65%), 1-2mm (72%), <1 mm (82%); P < 0.05]. mRNA expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and CCL2 was elevated (P < 0.05) and curcumin blunted this increase (P < 0.05). Protein concentration of IL-1 beta, IL-6 (section 3), and CCL2 was increased (P < 0.05) and curcumin reduced this response for IL-1 beta (section 2) and CCL2 (P < 0.05). Curcumin also offset the increase in plasma CCL2 (P < 0.05). The benefits of curcumin in colon cancer may be at least in part mediated by its antiinflammatory activity.