Increase of oxidant-related triglycerides and phosphatidylcholines in serum and small intestinal mucosa during development of intestinal polyp formation in Min mice

Recent epidemiological studies have shown a positive association of a high-fat diet with the risk of colon cancer. Indeed, increments in the serum levels of triglycerides (TG) and cholesterols are positively related with colon carcinogenesis. We previously reported that an age-dependent hyperlipidemic state is characteristic of Min mice, an animal model for human familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). However, qualitative and quantitative changes of lipid metabolism are poorly understood in this state. Here, we provide detailed analysis of serum lipids in Min mice using reverse-phased liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RPLC/ESI-MS). We also demonstrate local analysis of lipid droplets in the villi of the small intestine using laser capture microdissection and a sensitive chip-based nanoESI-MS system. As a result, oxidized phosphatidylcholines (PC) such as aldehyde and carboxylic acid types were increased, even at an early stage of intestinal polyp formation in serum. In addition, hydroperoxidizable TG precursors containing linoleic acid (18:2n-6) were deposited at the tip of the villi with aging, and these hydroperoxidized TG were also increased in serum. Meanwhile, increments of the oxidizable TG precursors in serum and small intestinal mucosa were suppressed by treatment with pitavastatin, a novel third generation lipophilic statin. These results suggest that quantitative and qualitative lipid changes such as hydroperoxidizable TG precursors are important in the course of intestinal polyp formation and oxidative stress might lead to the development of intestinal polyp formation in Min mice. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 79-87).