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 Milt mouse model of colon carcinogenesis, we have recently proposed that a fibre-like food (short-chain fructo-oligo saccharides, sc-FOS) fermented in the colon may stimulate a mechanism of ca ncer immunosurveillance, In the present paper, we have investigated the exp ression of cytokines as potential effector molecules. Interleukin (IL-)4, I L-5, IL-13, IL-15 and interferon (IN)-gamma mRNAs were detected by a multi- probe ribonuclease protection assay in C57BL/6J and Min mouse colons. IL-15 mRNA expression was significantly amplified (P=0.01) by the sc-FOS-enriche d diet in the colon of Mill mice. (C) 2001 Academic Press.