The Effect of Bran on Dimethylhydrazine-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in the Rat

Abstract

The putative role of dietary fiber was investigated in dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Four groups of 10 male Sprague-Dawley rats each were used: group I, control; group II, 30 mg/kg DMH; group III, 20% bran; and, group IV, bran and DMH. Intestinal transit times were decreased and fecal outputs were increased in rats given the 20% bran diet. In group II, all 10 rats had tumors with a mean of 6.4 tumors/rat whereas in group IV, 6 of 9 rats (67%) had tumors with a mean of only 1.8 tumors/rat per group and 2.7 tumors/rat which had tumors. The size and distribution of these tumors were similar in both groups. Bran in the diet had little effect on the incidence, number and distribution of duodenal tumors.