Open source software for semi-automated histomorphometry of bone resorption and formation parameters.

Micro-CT analysis has become the standard method for assessing bone volume and architecture in small animals. However, micro-CT does not allow the assessment of bone turnover parameters such as bone formation rate and osteoclast (OC) number and surface. For these crucial variables histomorphometric analysis is still an essential technique.

Large intestine intraepithelial lymphocytes from Apc+/+ and Apc+/Min mice and their modulation by indigestible carbohydrates: the IL-15/IL-15R alpha complex and CD4+ CD25+ T cells are the main targets.

We have shown recently that some indigestible carbohydrate (short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides [sc-FOS]) reduced colon tumor incidence in Apc+/Min mice, and that this effect depended on a functional local immune system. In addition, IL-15 mRNA was concomitantly modulated in the mucosa. Since intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are in close contact with intestinal epithelial cells, these cells are the candidates most likely to be involved in early cancer immunosurveillance.

Apc+/Min colonic epithelial cells express TNF receptors and ICAM-1 when they are co-cultured with large intestine intra-epithelial lymphocytes.

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) functions are involved in the heterotypic interactions occurring between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs). These interactions may be of interest in cancer prevention, since recent data provide evidence for lymphocyte mediated immunosurveillance of epithelial cancers. The present study attempts to determine if APC inactivation induces changes in the cross-talk between IEC and large intestine IEL (LI-IEL) through intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1)/leukocyte function-associated (LFA-1) interactions.

Cytokine mRNA expression in mouse colon: IL-15 mRNA is overexpressed and is highly sensitive to a fibre-like dietary component (short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides) in an Apc gene manner.

On the basis of studies using the Min mouse model of colon carcinogenesis, we have recently proposed that a fibre-like food (short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides, sc-FOS) fermented in the colon may stimulate a mechanism of cancer immunosurveillance. In the present paper, we have investigated the expression of cytokines as potential effector molecules. Interleukin (IL-)4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-15 and interferon (INF)-gamma mRNAs were detected by a multi-probe ribonuclease protection assay in C57BL/6J and Min mouse colons.

T cell status influences colon tumor occurrence in min mice fed short chain fructo-oligosaccharides as a diet supplement.

We have previously shown that addition of short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (indigestible carbohydrates) to food prevented colon tumors in C57BL/6-Apc(Min/+) mice, a model for human colon cancer. As gut-associated lymphoid tissue was concomitantly developed, we suggested that the immune response generated by this food may interfere with carcinogenesis due to involvement of mucosal cells in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. In the present experiment, we tested whether T cell status may influence colon tumor formation in Min mice fed a food supplement of short chain fructo-oligosaccharides.