Abstract

Arabinoxylans (AXs) are hemicelluloses composed of xylose and arabinose residues. They are found in a variety of agricultural products. AXs can stimulate innate and adaptive immune systems by enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer cell activities. Modified AXs increase the susceptibility of cancer cells to various cytotoxic drugs. Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. It causes millions of deaths annually. The aims of this study were to evaluate the AXs on the viability of colon cancer cells, and identify their immunomodulatory effects in vitro. 

Results show that AXs alone had no effects on the viabilities of HT-29 cells. However, there were synergistic effects on reducing cell viabilities when AXs combined hydroxyurea. HT-29 cells treated with AXs had up-regulated expressions of IL-8, TNF-α, TLR4, and down-regulated CLEC7A, MCP-1 comparing untreated cells. However, when HT-29 cells were pre-treated with LPS, AXs showed anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting IL-8 and TLR4, but stimulating IL-10 expressions. 

It indicates that the contrasting immunomodulatory effects of AXs are associated with the status of cancer cells. AXs have potential applications in adjuvant therapy for colon cancer. Further studies are required, especially using in vivo models to exploit fully the potential of the immunomodulatory effect of arabinoxylans on colon cancer.