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Polyphenols are natural compounds with high structural diversity whose common occurrence in plants renders them intrinsic dietary components. They are known to be secondary metabolites characterized by a wide spectrum of biological activities, and a growing body of evidence indicates they have anti-inflammatory potential. It is well known that inflammation plays a key role in many chronic diseases such as circulatory diseases, pulmonary diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols influence the inflammatory process by controlling and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Furthermore, polyphenols exhibit anti-inflammatory activity on many levels via NF-κB inhibition, and MAPK, iNOS, and growth factors regulation. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning the potential of various dietary polyphenols to inhibit the effects of COX-2 in colon cancer, by examining the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of these compounds obtained from in vitro and animal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Gut-associated immune response plays a major role in pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. Modulation of intestinal immune responseviadietary components might influence prognosis of colon carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of differential ratios of fish oil (FO) and corn oil (CO) on T cells in experimental colon carcinoma. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group I received purified diet while Groups II and III received purified diet supplemented with FO:CO(1:1) and FO:CO(2.5:1), respectively. These were further subdivided into controls and treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or N,N'-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH), respectively. Regulatory T cells (natural and induced; nTregs and iTregs), helper T cells, surface markers (CD28, αβTCR, γδTCR), and intracellular cytokines in CD4+cells were analyzed in colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). DMH treatment led to a significant decrease in nTregs and increase in iTregs. Treatment with FO/CO resulted in an increase in both Tregs as compared to DMH group. Intracellular interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 levels increased on DMH treatment, while FO/CO treatment decreased their levels. DMH treatment led to elevation of CD4+cells expressing surface markers in comparison to control group. This expression decreased considerably with FO/CO. FO modulates immune response against colon cancer by altering Tregs and their cytokine repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]