Reply to the letter from Dr Meenan
1993
Effects of Folic Acid and Sulphasalazine on Colonic Cancer in Rats
Sample size: 48
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Alan E. Davis, Frankie Patterson
Primary Institution: The Prince of Wales Hospital
Hypothesis
Does low serum folate level contribute to the development of DMH induced colonic cancer in rats?
Conclusion
The study found that low serum folate levels do not contribute to the development of colonic cancer in rats treated with sulphasalazine.
Supporting Evidence
- Rats receiving sulphasalazine but no folic acid had no tumours.
- The study showed that sulphasalazine was not co-carcinogenic even with folate depletion.
- A synthetic diet was associated with a reduction in neoplasia in this animal model.
Takeaway
Researchers tested if not having enough folic acid causes cancer in rats, but they found it didn't matter.
Methodology
Forty-eight male wistar rats were injected with DMH and divided into groups based on folic acid and sulphasalazine intake.
Limitations
The study used a synthetic diet which may affect the results compared to previous studies.
Participant Demographics
Male Wistar rats
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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