---
title: "Gene expression changes in colon tissues following intake of an…"
description: "Pomegranate extract may modulate gene expression in colon tissues of colorectal cancer patients, but in vivo effects are complex and differ from in vitro…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28183047.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28183047.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d28183047.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d28183047"
journal: "J Nutr Biochem"
year: 2017
pmid: "28183047"
doi: "10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.01.014"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Gene expression changes in colon tissues following intake of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract: a randomized clinical trial

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | J Nutr Biochem |
| Year | 2017 |
| PMID | [28183047](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28183047/) |
| DOI | [10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.01.014](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.01.014) |
| Study key | d28183047 |

## Takeaway

Pomegranate extract may modulate gene expression in colon tissues of colorectal cancer patients, but in vivo effects are complex and differ from in vitro observations.

## The question

Can dietary polyphenols, specifically ellagitannins from pomegranate extract, modify gene expression in colon tissues of colorectal cancer patients?

## Hypothesis

Ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and their urolithin metabolites can modify gene expression in colon cells, suggesting they might have a similar effect in human colon tissues.

## Methods

Thirty-five colorectal cancer patients were supplemented daily with 900 mg of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract for 5-35 days. Gene expression in normal and cancerous colon tissues was evaluated before (biopsies) and after (surgical specimens) supplementation. Tissues from 10 control patients (no supplementation) were also analyzed to account for interindividual variability and the impact of the experimental protocol on gene expression.

## Results

The study found a large, gene- and tissue-specific interindividual variability and an impact of the experimental protocol on gene expression, with some genes induced (MYC, CD44, CDKN1A, CTNNB1), some repressed (CASP3), and others unaffected (KRAS). Despite these issues, pomegranate extract consumption was significantly associated with a counterbalance effect in the expression of CD44, CTNNB1, CDKN1A, EGFR, and TYMs. These effects were not linked to urolithin metabotypes or levels of urolithins and ellagic acid in colon tissues.

## Conclusion

The intake of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract modulated the impact of the experimental protocol on gene expression in a gene- and tissue-specific manner in colorectal cancer patients. However, these in vivo effects did not reproduce previously observed in vitro effects, highlighting the challenges in translating in vitro findings to in vivo human studies.

## Limitations

The study observed significant gene- and tissue-specific interindividual variability and an impact of the experimental protocol on gene expression, which complicated the interpretation of results. The in vivo effects did not align with prior in vitro findings, indicating the difficulty of demonstrating in vivo the in vitro results.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Ellagitannins and their gut-derived metabolites, the urolithins, modify gene expression in colon

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract | Moderate evidence | [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) |

## Reference

1. **Gene expression changes in colon tissues following intake of an ellagitannin-containing pomegranate extract: a randomized clinical trial**
   J Nutr Biochem 2017 · [PMID 28183047](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28183047/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.01.014](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.01.014)

   > Ellagitannins and their gut-derived metabolites, the urolithins, modify gene expression in colon

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- [Pomegranate Ellagitannin Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/110.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).