MILK-FAT GLOBULE-MEMBRANE SUBSTANCES INHIBIT MOUSE INTESTINAL BETA-GLUCURONIDASE

The beta-glucuronidase inhibitory action of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) was studied. By increasing the MFGM concentration to 0.2%, near ly 90% of the beta-glucuronidase activity was inhibited. The trypsin-d erived digests of MFGM inhibited beta-glucuronidase activity by almost -equal-to 42%. The inhibitory effect of MFGM on intestinal beta-glucur onidase of mouse was studied. We administered MFGM (groups I: 5%; grou p II: 10%; group III: 20%) to mice and investigated the time course of changes in fecal beta-glucuronidase activity. In group I and II, enzy me activity had decreased 15-20% on the 5th day of treatment, but in g roup III, a decrease in enzyme activity was seen with an inhibition ra te of 50%, showing a Marked intracolonic efficacy of MFGM. Thus MFGM m ay have potential in explaining, treating or preventing intestinal can cers.