Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Colon cancer is a significant health concern globally, with a growing interest in preventive strategies, including dietary interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of dietary inclusion of Hyphaene thebaica fruit (Linn) on N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. NMU is a potent carcinogen commonly used to induce colon cancer in animal models, making it a suitable choice for studying chemopreventive interventions. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups Group 1 served as the control, Group 2 received NMU alone, Group 3 received NMU and a low dose of Hyphaene thebaica fruit, and Group 4 received NMU and a high dose of Hyphaene thebaica fruit. The rats were monitored for changes in body weight, food intake, and tumor development throughout the study period. The results indicated that rats in the NMU alone group showed a significant increase in tumor incidence and multiplicity compared to the control group. However, rats in the NMU groups supplemented with Hyphaene thebaica fruit showed a dose-dependent reduction in tumor development. The high dose group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in tumor incidence and multiplicity compared to the low dose group. Histopathological analysis of colon tissues further supported these findings, showing a reduction in dysplastic changes and tumor progression in rats supplemented with Hyphaene thebaica fruit. Additionally, biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in oxidative stress markers and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities in the Hyphaene thebaica fruit-supplemented groups, indicating a potential mechanism for its chemopreventive effects. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that dietary inclusion of Hyphaene thebaica fruit may have a preventive effect against NMU-induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. The observed reduction in tumor development, coupled with histopathological and biochemical changes, supports the potential chemopreventive properties of Hyphaene thebaica fruit. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds and mechanisms responsible for its anticancer effects, with the ultimate goal of exploring its use as a dietary intervention in colon cancer prevention strategies.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. An estimated 14.1million new cancer cases occurred in 2012 (GLOBOCAN, 2012). Lung, female breast, colorectal and stomach cancers accounted for more than 40% of all cases diagnosed worldwide (GLOBOCAN, 2012). In men, lung cancer was the most common cancer (16.7% of all new cases in men). Breast cancer was by far the most common cancer diagnosed in women (25.2% of all new cases in women), (Srijita-Dutta, 2015). Approximately, 32.5 million People diagnosed with cancer in 2008 were alive at the end of 2012. Most were women after their breast cancer diagnosis (6.3 million), men after their prostate cancer diagnosis (3.9 million), and men and women after their colorectal cancer diagnosis (3.5 million) (Popoola et al., 2013).

The incidence of colorectal carcinoma has been on the increase in the developing countries, including Nigeria, as a result of change in diet and adoption of western lifestyle (Echendu al., 2015). A total of 241 cases of colorectal carcinoma were reported, 144 cases (60%) in males and 96 cases (40%) in females with a male: female ratio of 1.5:1. The peak age of occurrence for males was between 51 and 60 years, while that of the females was between 41 and 50 years. The malignancy was found in the rectum in 60.2% of the cases, while the least affected site is the descending colon (1.2%) (NJCP, 2011).