Erythrocyte polyamine levels are greater than triglyceride levels as markers of intestinal polyp formation in Min mice

Multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice were originally identified by Moser et al. Min mice have a heterozygous mutation in the tumor suppressor gene, adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc). The APC gene is mutated in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Min mice spontaneously develop intestinal polyps, similar to humans, but mainly in the small intestine. Polyps form as early as approximately 4 weeks of age. At 23-26 weeks of age, approximately 100 polyps develop in the small intestine, at which time these mice become moribund and die due to severe anemia and apparent intestinal obstruction. Therefore, Min mice are regarded as an excellent animal model for investigating the effects of chemopreventive compounds on colon tumorigenesis. Serum levels of triglycerides are higher in Min mice than in wild-type mice. Moreover, mRNA levels of lipoprotein lipase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides, are markedly lower in the liver and 〈Original article〉