Impact of β-glucan on the Fecal Water Genotoxicity of Polypectomized Patients

Nutr Cancer. 2016 May-Jun;68(4):560-7. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2016.1156713. Epub 2016 Apr 4.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of β-glucan on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of polypectomized patient's fecal water (FW). Polypectomized volunteers (n = 69) were randomly assigned to consume bread with or without β-glucan, for 3 months. FW was collected at the beginning (t = 0), the 30th and 90th day and 2 wk after the intervention. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were estimated on Caco-2 cells, using trypan blue exclusion test and comet assay, respectively. Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded and subjects kept a 3-day food diary at baseline and after completion. Trypan blue exclusion test revealed cell survival of approximately 87% after incubation with FW. The FW samples showed 49% genotoxicity at the baseline. Genotoxicity in the intervention group decreased during the trial reaching statistical significance on the 90th day compared to control. An increase was noticed 2 wk after the trial, but it still remained significantly lower compared to control. Group-specific analysis for β-glucan also revealed significant decrease in the genotoxicity on the 90th day compared to baseline. β-glucan ingestion in polypectomized patients significantly decreased the genotoxicity of their FW. Our findings suggest that β-glucan consumption could possibly provide protection against colon cancer development.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colonic Polyps
  • Comet Assay
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Hordeum / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutagenicity Tests
  • Water
  • beta-Glucans / pharmacology*

Substances

  • beta-Glucans
  • Water