Beer intake helps prevent colon cancer in rats

In a rodent model of colon cancer, beer intake seemed to reduce the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and protect against adenocarcinomas, according to a report published in the January issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

In the new study, Dr. Hajime Nozawa, from Kirin Brewery Co. in Yokohama, Japan, and colleagues assessed the ability of beer or its components to prevent azoxymethane-induced colon cancer in rats.Consumption of beer or malt extract for 2 weeks reduced the amount of DNA damage caused by azoxymethane injection, the researchers note. Moreover, beer intake for the full 5-week study period reduced ACF formation by 35%.The ACF-inhibiting effects of beer depended on the type of malt with dark-roasted malts being the more effective than pilsner malts. In addition, only freeze-dried beer, not ethanol, had a significant inhibitory effect. This suggests that the anti-ACF effects are due to nonvolatile components of beer.Intake of malt extract also inhibited ACF formation, but consumption of hops extract did not, the researchers note. In a 42-week follow-up study, beer intake was associated with a 22% reduction in tumor incidence and with a drop in the number of neoplasms, including a 44% decrease in adenocarinomas and adenomas. “The results suggest that daily moderate consumption of beer may reduce the risk of cancer susceptibility in colon,” the authors state. However, further studies are needed to verify this and to determine the mechanisms involved, they add.(Source: Int J Cancer 2004;108:404-411: Reuters Health: January 30, 2004: Oncolink)