EFFICACY OF ENTEROCINS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of enterocins produced by Enterococcus faecium 141v and 137v, probiotics, from artisanal rennet cheese from Pernambuco on the development of colorectal cancer in an in vivo study. As a methodology, protease sensitivity tests were carried out in order to prove its protein properties, in addition to its biological activity as an antimicrobial. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate the effect of Enterocins on colorectal cancer induced by 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in Wistar rats. The results obtained in vitro demonstrated the peptide nature of the Enterocins as well as their effectiveness in terms of antimicrobial activity. As for the in vivo results evaluated on ultrasound, it was possible to observe the decrease in the thickness of the intestinal wall of the rats that underwent colorectal cancer induction and treated with Enterocins, which can be explained by the possible apoptotic stimulation, aiming at the inhibition of cancer cells. This study provided important aspects regarding the use of enterocins for therapeutic purposes, especially in the prevention and control of colorectal cancer in an animal model. Also highlighted the use of ultrasound to evaluate the effect of enterocins on disease development, showing that a method that considers the animal welfare to be less invasive and effective. The results of this study reinforce the need for studies to further investigate the issue. In addition, they add knowledge in several areas such as biotechnology, microbiology, medicine, nutrition and pharmacology.