Inhibitory effect of apple pectin and culture condensate of Bifidobacterium longum on colorectal tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in transgenic mice harboring human prototype c-Ha-ras genes.

The number and tumor score of colorectal tumors induced by 1,2-dymethylhydrazine in transgenic (Tg) mice carrying human c-Ha-ras genes were significantly reduced by ingestion of apple pectin (AP) or a culture condensate of Bifidobacterium longum (MB) when compared with a control diet. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of colorectal tumors in Tg mice between the AP or MB diet and the control diet. This study demonstrated that Tg mice are a useful tool for screening inhibition of colorectal tumors by functional foods.