Ripe papaya pectins inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer spheroids and the formation of chemically induced aberrant crypts in rats colons

Author(s)

Donadio, Janaina L. S. ; do Prado, Samira Bernardino Ramos ; Soares, Caroline Giacomelli ; Tamarossi, Rodrigo Invernort ; Heidor, Renato ; Moreno, Fernando Salvador ; Fabi, Joao Paulo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Carbohydrate Polymers; v. 331, p. 15-pg., 2024-02-02.

Abstract

Pectins are a class of soluble polysaccharides that can have anticancer properties through several mechanisms. This study aimed to characterize the molecular structure of water-soluble fractions (WSF) derived from ripe and unripe papayas and assess their biological effects in two models: the 3D colon cancer spheroids to measure cell viability and cytotoxicity, and the in vivo model to investigate the inhibition of preneoplastic lesions in rats. WSF yield was slightly higher in ripe papaya, and both samples mainly consisted of pectin. Both pectins inhibited the growth of colon cancer HT29 and HCT116 spheroids. Unripe pectin disturbed HT29/NIH3T3 spheroid formation, decreased HCT116 spheroid viability, and increased spheroid cytotoxicity. Ripe pectin had a more substantial effect on the reduction of spheroid viability for HT29 spheroids. Furthermore, in vivo experiments on a rat model revealed a decrease in aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation for both pectins and increased apoptosis in colonocytes for ripe papaya pectins. The results suggest potential anticancer properties of papaya pectin, with ripe pectin showing a higher potency. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 22/12834-2 - Effects of modified pectins on gut health: pre-clinical and clinical studies to assess cellular, transcriptional, and epigenetic effects
• Grantee: Joao Paulo Fabi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/07292-3 - Influence of papaya pectins on host pro-inflammatory cytokine responses using 3D models of human colon mucosa
• Grantee: Janaina Lombello Santos Donadio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor