Apple polysaccharide protects ICR mice against colitis associated colorectal cancer through the regulation of microbial dysbiosis

The study tried to investigate whether apple polysaccharide (AP) could prevent colitis associated colorectal cancer (CACC) through the regulation of intestinal microbiota disorders. 10 % AP (w/v) was administrated to ICR mice by gavage for 15 wk. It was found that AP treatment protected against CACC in mice effectively. The level of Lactobacillus in the intestine of AOM/DSS-treated mice was significantly decreased and that of Fusobacterium increased; while AP could reverse this trend and increase the intestinal microbiota diversity. The number of T cells and macrophages in the colon tissue of mice in AOM/DSS group elevated; while AP could reduce the number of these cells significantly. AP suppressed nuclear aggregation of β-catenin, inhibited the activation of Wnt pathway in colon tissues. These data suggest that AP prevented ICR mice from CACC at least in part through regulating intestinal flora disorder and Wnt pathway.