Effect of a Functional Food Containing Bacillus polyfermenticus on Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Aberrant Crypt Formation and the Antioxidant System in Fisher 344 Male Rats

Effect of a Functional Food Containing Bacillus polyfermenticus on Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Aberrant Crypt Formation and the Antioxidant System in Fisher 344 Male Rats

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a newly developed functional food containing Bacillus polyfermenticus (BP) and other physiologically active materials on the antioxidant system and the process of colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. Following a one-week adaptation period, the rats were divided into 3 groups and fed either a high-fat, low-fiber diet (control and DMH groups), or a high-fat, low-fiber diet supplemented with B. polyfermenticus ($3.1{\times}10^8\;CFU/day$) and other physiologically active materials (chitosan, chicory, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol, and flavonoids) (DMH+BP group). One week after the initiation of the diets, 2 groups of rats were subjected to six weeks of treatment with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 180 mg/kg BW, s.c.). The dietary treatments remained consistent throughout the entire experimental period. Nine weeks after the initial DMH injection, the rats supplemented with B. polyfermenticus had significantly lower numbers of aberrant crypt foci than those in the DMH group. Injections with DMH resulted in significantly higher leukocytic DNA damage and plasma lipid peroxidation levels, as well as in a lower plasma total antioxidant potential. These effects were reversed following supplementation with B. polyfermenticus and other physiological materials. Our results indicate that a functional food containing B. polyfermenticus exerts a protective effect on the antioxidant system and on the process of colon carcinogenesis, thereby suppressing the development of preneoplastic lesions.