Amine Oxidase, Copper Containing 3 (<i>Aoc3</i>) Knockout Mice Are More Prone to DSS-induced Colitis and Colonic Tumorigenesis

Background/aim: Inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Amine oxidase, copper-containing 3 (AOC3) is a critical enzyme in the physiological trafficking of leukocytes and the regulation of inflammation. This study aimed to examine the effects of Aoc3 deficiency in mice models of colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis. Materials and methods: C57BL/6 and Aoc3 knockout mice were used for Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) induced acute colitis and the Azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS model of inflammation-related colon cancer. We also evaluated the effect of Aoc3 in an Apc mutant mice model of intestinal and colonic tumorigenesis. Results: We observed that Aoc3 deficient mice were more prone to colitis induced by DSS in early phases and their survival was shorter. We also showed that Aoc3 deficient mice developed more tumors both in AOM/DSS and Apc mutant mice models. Furthermore, colonic tumors in the AOM/DSS groups in Aoc3 mutant mice were generally invasive type adenocarcinomas. Conclusion: Aoc3 deficiency promotes colitis and colonic tumorigenesis in mouse models.