Documentation of Ultrastructural Changes in Nucleus and Microvilli by Fish Oil in Experimental Colon Carcinogenesis

Abstract

Fish oil (FO) exerts a chemopreventive effect by regulating apoptosis in colon carcinogenesis. The present study reports the ultrastructural changes in various organelles on supplementation of FO in experimental colon carcinogenesis. The carcinogen treatment led to abnormal nuclear shape and alteration in microvilli number indicating cancer establishment. On the other hand, different ratios of FO and corn oil increased chromatin condensation along with an extensive loss of microvilli in a dose- and time-dependent manner which depicts an increase in apoptosis. The associated ultrastuctural alterations support the facilitation of apoptosis by FO as a mechanism for its beneficial effect in colon carcinogenesis.

• Apoptosis
• colorectal cancer
• corn oil
• fish oil
• n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. T.C. Nag, Department of Anatomy at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India, who helped in the analysis of transmission electron microscope studies.

FUNDING

This work was supported by a grant from University Grant Commission [F.No. 39-250/2010 (SR)], India. The authors also acknowledge the assistance from University Grants Commission as the department is supported under UGC SAP programme.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.