Vitamin C and D do not increase the chemopreventive effect of aspirin on colon carcinogenesis in a mouse model

Abstract

Aspirin has significant antineoplastic effects on the colon, whereas the outcomes of Vitamin C and D supplementation have been inconsistent. This study addressed the isolated and combined effects of vitamins C and D with aspirin on chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in mice, focusing on redox balance and DNA damage. Adult male and female mice were divided into seven groups: a control group; a group treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 40 mg/kg twice per week during weeks 4 and 5); and groups treated with DMH plus the following: aspirin (6 mg/kg in water); Vitamin C (500 mg/L in water); Vitamin D (1500 IU by oral gavage); a combination of Vitamin C and aspirin; and a combination of Vitamin D and aspirin. The treatments were administered continuously for 12 weeks. The treatments, isolated or combined, reduced aberrant crypt formations. Aspirin alone reduced the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) by 65 %, accompanied by a systemic reduction in oxidative stress and DNA damage prevention. However, adding vitamins C and D to aspirin did not enhance these effects. Vitamin D alone suppressed ACF formation and DNA damage in the liver, whereas vitamin C had a limited effect on colon carcinogenesis, despite reducing oxidative stress in the liver and colon. In summary, we found no evidence that vitamins C and D supplementation enhanced the chemopreventive effects of aspirin on colon cancer.

Keywords: 1,2-Dimethyl hydrazine; Aspirin; Colon carcinogenesis; Comet assay; Vitamin C; Vitamin D.