The Publication:

Emodin reduces tumor burden by diminishing M2-like macrophages in colorectal cancer

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Publication Summary:

Emodin, a natural anthraquinone, has been shown to have antitumorigenic properties and may be an effective therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its clinical development has been hampered by a poor understanding of its mechanism of action. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of emodin in mouse models of intestinal/colorectal cancer and to examine the impact of emodin on macrophage behavior in the context of CRC. We used a genetic model of intestinal cancer (ApcMin/+) and a chemically induced model of CRC [azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)]. Emodin was administered orally three times a week. We found that emodin reduced polyp count and size in both mouse models. We further analyzed the colon microenvironment of AOM/DSS mice and found that mice treated with emodin exhibited lower abundance of pro-tumor M2-like macrophages. To confirm emodin's effects on macrophages, we exposed bone marrow-derived macrophages to colon cancer cell conditioned media; it was shown that emodin reduced macrophage M2-like polarization. Overall, these data support the development of emodin as a new agent for the prevention of CRC.