Hfe−/− mice are more susceptible to the development of CRC driven by inflammation and ApcMin mutation.
(A) Number and size of AOM/DSS polyps in wild-type mice and Hfe−/− mice. Data show mean values (±SEM) for eight mice per group. (B) Number of polyps in colon and small intestine in ApcMin/+ mice on Hfe+/+ and Hfe−/− backgrounds. Data show mean values (±SEM) for five mice on Hfe+/+ background and seven mice on Hfe−/−background. (C) Western blot analysis of PCNA protein levels in colon polyps and normal, healthy adjacent tissue of ApcMin/+ on Hfe+/+ and Hfe−/− backgrounds. Western blot band intensities were estimated using ImageJ software and the band intensities that correspond to the PCNA protein were normalized to the respective β-actin levels. Data are means ±SEM. *P < 0.05; ***P < 0.001.