Antiproliferative effect of plant sterols at colonic concentrations on Caco-2 cells

Plant sterols (PS) have been incorporated to foods due to their cholesterol-lowering effect. Because of their low intestinal absorption (0.5-2%), they can reach the colon and exert local actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of individual (beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol) and combined PS in colon cancer cells (Caco-2) at human colonic concentrations after simulated gastrointestinal digestion of a PS enriched milk -based fruit beverage. beta-Sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol induced significant cell viability reduction (13-59% vs control), but only stigmasterol produced an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (92% vs control). Individual PS induced reversible arrest in phase G(0)/G(1) of the cell cycle, suggesting that they act as cytostatic agents. Combined PS showed a greater effect than individual PS, inducing also cell necrosis and irreversible cell cycle arrest (G(0)/G(1) phase). The consumption of PS-enriched foods therefore could exert a potential preventive effect against colon cancer. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.