International Institute of Anticancer Research:John G Delinassios, 1st Km Kapandritiou-Kalamou Road, Kapandriti Attiki 19014 Greece:011 30 2 2950 53389, 011 30 2950 52945, EMAIL: [email protected], INTERNET: http://www.iiar-anticancer.org, Fax: 011 30 2 2950 53389, 011 30 2 2950 52945
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Probiotics seem to possess tumour
inhibitory properties, but few studies have investigated their
actions on the cell proliferation of normal colonic mucosa. The
effects of a probiotic mixture (VSL#3) on polyamine
biosynthesis, Ki-67 levels and apoptosis in the normal colon of
rats were studied. Materials and Methods: For a 4-week period,
20 rats were fed a VSL#3 solution and 20 rats a saline solution.
Samples from the colonic mucosa were collected at the end of
treatment. Polyamines were detected by HPLC, ornithine
decarboxylase activity by a radiometric technique, and apoptosis
and Ki-67 by histochemical and immunohistochemical
methods. Results: VSL#3 caused a significant decrease in
colonic polyamine levels, ornithine decarboxylase activity and
Ki-67 compared to controls. A significant increase in the
apoptotic index was also observed. Conclusion: Probiotics could
also reduce proliferation rates in a condition not affected by
hyperproliferative or neoplastic growth, when the normal control
mechanisms are still completely effective
