The Natural HASPIN Inhibitor Coumestrol Suppresses Intestinal Polyp Development, Cachexia, and Hypogonadism in a Mouse Model of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Apc Min/+).

Simple Summary: Approximately half of the populations of developed countries contract cancer, with a very high proportion of colorectal cancer among all cancer types. Food choices must be improved to maintain good health. HASPIN inhibitors suppress the proliferation of various cancer cells. In this study, the antitumor effect of ingesting bean sprouts containing the HASPIN inhibitor coumestrol was investigated using a mouse model of familial adenomatous polyposis (ApcMin/+). The results indicated that ingesting a diet including bean sprouts suppressed the development of intestinal polyps, cachexia, and hypogonadism in mice. These findings demonstrated that bean sprouts are a beneficial food for preventing cancer and are expected to be applicable in humans. (1) Background: HASPIN kinase is involved in regulating spindle function and chromosome segregation, as well as phosphorylating histone H3 at Thr3 in mitotic cells. Several HASPIN inhibitors suppress cancer cell proliferation. It was recently reported that coumestrol from bean sprouts inhibits HASPIN, and a cultivation method for bean sprouts containing large amounts of coumestrol has been established. Here, we showed the effects of bean sprout ingestion on intestinal polyp development, cachexia, and hypogonadism in a mouse model of familial adenomatous polyposis (ApcMin/+). (2) Methods: ApcMin/+ mice were randomized into control and treatment groups. Mice in the control group were given the standard diet, while those in the treatment group were given the same standard diet with the addition of 15% bean sprouts. Treatments were commenced at 7 weeks old and analyses were performed at 12 weeks old. (3) Results: ingesting bean sprouts suppressed the development of intestinal polyps, cachexia, and hypogonadism, and also increased serum levels of testosterone in male wild-type and ApcMin/+ mice. (4) Conclusions: ingesting bean sprouts helps prevent cancer and increases serum levels of testosterone in a mouse model. These results are expected to be applicable to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]