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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Little Rock, Arkansas » Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #190223
Title: EFFECTS OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM DOSE ON COLON TUMORIGENESIS IN AZOXYMETHANE-TREATED MALE SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

Author
item FRANK, JULIE - ACNC
item XIAO, RIJIN - ACNC
item YU, SHANGGONG - ACNC
item FERGUSON, MATTHEW - ACNC
item HENNINGS, LEAH - UAMS
item SIMPSON, PIPPA - UAMS
item RONIS, MARTIN - ACNC/UAMS
item FANG, NIANBAI - ACNC/UAMS
item BADGER, THOMAS - ACNC/UAMS
item SIMMEN, FRANK - ACNC/UAMS

Submitted to: Nutrition Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2006
Publication Date: 5/18/2006
Citation: Frank, J.A., Xiao, R., Yu, S., Ferguson, M., Hennings, L.J., Simpson, P.M., Ronis, M.J., Fang, N., Badger, T.M., Simmen, F.A. 2006. Effects of Shiitake mushroom dose on colon tumorigenesis in azoxymethane-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats. Nutrition Research. 26(3):138-145.

Interpretive Summary: We examined for possible protective effects of dried Shiitake mushrooms in the diet against the development of cancers of the small intestine and colon in experimental rats. The rationale for this study was based on work from others that indicated that Shiitake mushrooms in the diet have beneficial effects against development of other types of cancers in rats and mice and therefore may also be relevant to the human diet. Our current findings showed that a relatively high intake of Shiitake had a marginally protective effect on tumor numbers in small intestine and colon; whereas a lower dose may actually have increased tumor growth in the middle region of the colon. Our results also showed that Shiitake mushrooms at the high dose in the diet may have beneficial effects on metabolism that may be favorable for cancer-protection. Further studies are necessary to clarify the actions of this unique dietary mushroom.

Technical Abstract: We determined the effects of diets containing dry powdered Shiitake mushroom on frequency of azoxymethane-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and intestinal tumors in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant rat dams and their progeny were fed AIN-93G diets containing casein (20%; control diet) or casein supplemented with Shiitake (1% or 4% wt/wt). Casein- and 1% Shiitake–fed rats exhibited identical growth curves, whereas those fed the 4% Shiitake diet were of slightly reduced body weight. The 4% Shiitake diet elicited increased active energy expenditure and reduced adiposity of rats. Small bowel and colon tumors and colon ACF were evaluated in the male progeny at 18 weeks after azoxymethane treatment. Aberrant crypt foci and tumors were most prevalent in the mid and distal regions of the colon. Shiitake intake had no effect on the relative incidence of tumors in the colon or small intestine (duodenum). Consumption of 1% Shiitake stimulated growth of invasive adenocarcinomas in the mid colon (P < .005) and favored a nonsignificant increase in median frequency of ACF in this same region. In contrast, Shiitake at 4% intake elicited a reduction in colon tumor multiplicity. Results demonstrate stimulatory actions of 1% and inhibitory actions of 4% Shiitake mushroom on indices of rat colon tumorigenesis, which may be associated with altered metabolism.