Oligonol inhibits mouse intestinal tumorigenesis through Wnt signal regulation

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and preventative methods are currently desired. Oligonol derived from lychee is a polyphenol that reported to improve lifestyle-related diseases, but its effect on intestinal carcinogenesis has not been clarified. Thus, we investigated the effects of oligonol on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro and its effects on intestinal polyp development in vivo using Apc -mutant mice . As a result, oligonol treatment inhibited TCF/LEF reporter activity through non-phosphorylated β-catenin (active form) degradation in human colon cancer cells. Apc -mutant mice given oligonol for 8 weeks resulted in the suppression of intestinal polyp development along with inhibition of mRNA levels of c-Myc and LGR5 , which are both regulated by the TCF/LEF transcription factor. Moreover, reduction of serum triglyceride levels was observed after oligonol administration. It is expected that polyphenols from lychee may become a new natural ingredient for cancer prevention in the future. • Oligonol inhibited TCF/LEF reporter activity in human colon cancer cells. • Oligonol reduced the active form β-catenin expression in human colon cancer cells. • Oligonol inhibited intestinal polyp formation in Apc -mutant mice. • Oligonol reduced serum triglyceride levels in Apc -mutant mice.