Animal Models of Carcinogenesis in Inflamed Colorectum: Potential Use in Chemoprevention Study

Title:Animal Models of Carcinogenesis in Inflamed Colorectum: Potential Use in Chemoprevention Study

Volume: 13 Issue: 14

Author(s): Takuji Tanaka

Affiliation:

Keywords: Inflammation and cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, chemoprevention, animal model

Abstract: Inflammation is a risk factor for cancer development in several tissues. In the colorectum, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) is a longstanding inflammatory disease with increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Several molecular events involving in chronic inflammatory process contribute to multi-stage carcinogenesis of CRC in the inflamed colon. They include alterations in production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes, and intestinal immune system. In this short review, experimental animal models of inflammation-associated CRC are described. Also, some preclinical data on chemoprevention of inflammation-associated CRC by astaxanthin and a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase using these inflammation- related -CRC models is briefly introduced.

Cite this article as:

Tanaka Takuji, Animal Models of Carcinogenesis in Inflamed Colorectum: Potential Use in Chemoprevention Study, Current Drug Targets 2012; 13 (14) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945012804545452