A nutrient mixture reduced tumor growth of SK-UT-1 human leiomyosarcoma cells in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting MMPs and inducing apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant smooth muscle tumor originating in the uterine wall that generally responds poorly to chemotherapy and radiation.

AIM

We investigated the in vitro effects of a novel nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract on the human leiomyosarcoma cell line SK-UT-1 by measuring cell proliferation, invasiveness, apoptosis, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). We also tested the effects of nutrient mixture in vivo using nude mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human leiomyosarcoma SK-UT-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of nutrient mixture. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay; MMP expression by gelatinase zymography; invasion by Matrigel assay; migration by scratch test; apoptosis using Live Green caspase kit. In vivo studies were conducted on 5-6 weeks old female nude mice inoculated subcutaneously with 3 • 10⁶ SK-UT-1 cells. The mice were fed a regular diet or a diet supplemented with 0.5% nutrient mixture. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were weighed and processed for histology.

RESULTS

In vitro, nutrient mixture treatment was not toxic to SK-UT-1 cells at 250 µg/ml but exhibited 20% and 40% cytotoxicity at 500 and 1000 µg/ml respectively. Zymography did not show bands for either MMP-2 or MMP-9 in SK-UT-1 cells. However, treatment with phorbol myristate acetate stimulated the expression of MMP-9, both active and inactive forms in equal proportion. Nutrient mixture inhibited the secretion of both active and inactive forms in a dose dependent manner. Invasion through Matrigel and migration by scratch test were inhibited in a dose dependent fashion, with both invasion and migration inhibited at 250 µg/ml. Live Green Caspase apoptosis assay demonstrated slight apoptosis at 100 µg/ml and significant apoptosis at 250 to 1000 µg/ml. The results of in vitro studies were further confirmed in vivo by showing 50% decrease in tumor weight, 40% reduction in tumor burden compared to the tumors from mice fed regular diet.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest a therapeutic potential for nutrient mixture in uterine leiomyosarcoma treatment.

Progress of Tumor Growth and Metastasis After Inoculation of B16FO Melanoma Cells in Kidney of Female Nude Mice Is Inhibited by a Novel Nutrient Mixture

Background: Tumor metastasis is a major cause for most cancer-related deaths. Melanoma is a serious cancer that metastasizes to other areas of the body, including the lungs, liver, brain, bones, or lymph nodes. Currently used cancer therapies are ineffective with a high degree of toxicity and patient mortality. Thus, any successful treatment for melanoma must target metastasis. Methods: We studied the effect of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract, quercetin, and others, on the inhibition of melanoma growth and metastasis after inoculation of B16FO melanoma cells into the left kidney of female nude mice. Female athymic mice (n = 10) 8 to 10 weeks of age, were inoculated superficially in the left kidney with 5 × 10⁵ B16FO melanoma cells in 100 µL of media. The right kidney was left untreated. After inoculation, the mice were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group (n = 5) was fed a regular rodent chow diet, and the test group was given the same diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. The animals in control and the test groups were sacrificed 2 weeks later. Each animal’s abdominal cavity was opened, and the kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen were excised and examined for tumor growth and metastasis. Results: The kidneys in the control group weighed 25% to 30% more than those in the NM group due to colonization of B16FO melanoma cells. No metastasis to the liver or spleen was observed in either of the groups. However, severe lung metastasis was observed in the control group and mild to moderate metastasis was observed in the NM group. Conclusion: These results show that the NM is effective in mitigating the growth of tumors in the kidney and metastases to the lung.

In Vitro Effect of Cytokines, Inducers, and Inhibitors on the Secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Hepatocarcinoma Cell Line SK-Hep-1

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains dismal despite any treatment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been researched for their role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers, and inhibitors control MMP activities. In this article, we investigated the roles of these in the regulation of MMP-2, -9 secretions in HCC. Human HCC SK-Hep-1 was grown in appropriate media. At near confluence, the cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline and incubated in serum-free media with PMA; TNF-α, IL-1β; lipopolysaccharide; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at various doses with and without PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and EGCG with and without PMA at; and actinomycin D and cycloheximide at different doses. After 24 hours, the media were removed and analyzed. SK-Hep-1 expressed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9. TNF-α showed an insignificant effect on MMP-2 at doses below 25 at which dose MMP-2 was virtually blocked and a moderate dose-dependent effect on MMP-9. Interleukin-1β demonstrated an insignificant effect on MMP-2 at doses below 25 at which dose MMP-2 was completely blocked and enhanced effects on MMP-9. Lipopolysaccharide showed dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9. EGCG, Dox, and NM, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide also had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on MMPs. Our results showed that cytokines, mitogens, and inhibitors modulated SK-Hep-1 MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion, suggesting the clinical use of especially potent and nontoxic MMP inhibitor as the NM in management of HCC.

Abstract 2172: Dying tumor cells (tumor debris) stimulate the growth of 4T1 breast cancer tumor in female athymic nude mice

Current cancer therapies are based on chemotherapy and radiation. These therapeutic approaches can initially reduce the tumor mass or tumor burden by killing tumor cells. It has been postulated that the resulting dying tumor cells, or tumor debris, can act as sources of tumor stimulation on surviving cells leading to reappearance of the cancer, and thereby drastically reducing the survival rate. In our study we investigated whether 4T1 debris induced by chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel would affect breast tumor growth in female nude mice. Female athymic nude mice were divided into three groups: Group 1 was inoculated with 4T1 cells; Group 2 with 4T1 cells together with their debris and Group 3 with debris alone. All mice were fed a regular diet. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed; tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry for inflammation parameters. Tumor weight significantly increased in Group 2 mice compared to the control Group 1. Group 3 mice developed no tumors. Although the tumor histology for both Groups 1 and 2 were similar, there were significant differences in inflammatory parameters in the two groups. Tumors developed in Group 2 mice had intense staining patterns for TNF-alpha, IL-6, Ki-67, i-Nos and VEGF compared to tumors in the control Group 1. Our results show that dying cells from docetaxel treatment, or tumor debris, had stimulatory effect on growth of breast cancer 4T1 cells in nude mice which was associated with increased inflammation. This study represents a novel method to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy or radiation on surviving tumor cells and to investigate the effect of various inhibitors on the growth recurrence.

Citation Format: M Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Dying tumor cells (tumor debris) stimulate the growth of 4T1 breast cancer tumor in female athymic nude mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2172.

Down regulation of u-PA by a nutrient mixture in hemangioma (EOMA) cells by inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis

Hemangiomas are the most common congenital vascular and benign tumor in infants and children. Most hemangiomas do not cause major symptoms to require intervention, however, the larger hemangiomas have tendency to bleed and may require surgical removal. Experimental studies have demonstrated the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA), especially cell surface u-PA, as an initiator of extra-cellular matrix proteolysis and associated tumor cell invasion.

AIM

To examine, whether the antitumor effects of a specific nutrient mixture are due to induction of apoptosis by inhibition of u-PA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract which has showed anticancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines was used as an experimental composition. EOMA cells were grown in appropriate media with antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with nutrition mixture at 10, 100, 1000 µg/ml in triplicate. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography. Morphological changes and caspase activation associated with apoptosis induction was checked by H&E staining and Live Green caspase assay, respectively. Apoptosis inducing anticancer drug camptothecin (10 µM) was used as positive control.

RESULTS

The nutrition mixture exhibited dose response toxicity with maximum toxicity 55% (p < 0.001) at 1000 µg/ml. EOMA cells expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by nutrition mixture in a dose-dependent manner. The caspase analysis revealed a dose dependent increase in apoptosis of EOMA hemangioma cells, with an increasing apoptosis observed at 100 μg/ml, and maximum at 1000 μg/ml. Cells treated with nutrition mixture showed significantly more apoptotic changes than the control or camptothecin-treated cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NM may induce apoptosis of hemangioma cells in vitro thus warranting further investigation.

Chemopreventive Effect of a Novel Nutrient Mixture on Lung Tumorigenesis Induced by Urethane in Male A/J Mice

Aims and background

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer death, is associated with exposure to inhalation carcinogens, most commonly those found in tobacco smoke. We investigated the in vivo effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, green tea extract, N-acetyl cysteine, selenium, copper and manganese on the development of urethane-induced lung tumors in male A/J mice.

Methods

After one week of isolation, seven-week-old male A/J mice (n = 25) weighing 17–19 g were randomly divided into three groups: group A (n = 5), group B (n = 10), and group C (n = 10). Mice in groups B and C were each given a single intraperitoneal injection of urethane (1 mg/g body weight) in saline, whereas group A mice received an injection of saline alone. Groups A and B were fed a regular diet, whereas group C was fed the same diet supplemented with 0.5% nutrient mixture. After 20 weeks, mice were sacrificed, lungs were excised and weighed, and tumors were counted and processed for histology.

Results

Urethane-challenged mice developed tumors. However, the mean number of tumors and the mean lung weights in the mice on the supplemented diet were significantly reduced, by 49% (P <0.0001) and 18% (P = 0.0025), respectively, compared to mice on the control diet. We observed neither significant differences in body weight gains nor in diet consumption among the mice. Pulmonary lesions were morphologically similar for both the groups (adenomas), but lesions were smaller in the test group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that nutrient mixture has inhibitory potential on the development of mouse lung tumors induced by urethane

Modulation of MMP-2 and -9 secretion by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors in human melanoma A-2058 cells

Melanoma, an extremely aggressive cancer, causes the most skin cancer-related deaths, due to metastasis to other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain or bone. It is characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions that degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers and inhibitors control MMP activities. We investigated the roles of these in regulation of MMP-2 and -9 in human melanoma A-2058 cells. Human A-2058 cells were grown in DMEM supplemented with 15% FBS and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were washed with PBS and incubated in serum-free media with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml; TNF-α and IL-1β at 0.1, 1, 10 and 25 ng/ml; LPS at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µM without and with PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract without and with PMA at 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml; actinomycin D and cyclohexamide at 2 and 4 µM; retinoic acid and dexamethasone at 50 µM. After 24 h the media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and densitometry. Melanoma A-2058 demonstrated strong expression of MMP-2 and slight expression of MMP-9. PMA at 100 ng/ml showed no effect on MMP-2 secretion but potently upregulated MMP-9 secretion to 400% that of control. TNF-α showed no significant overall effect on expression of MMP-2 but potent dose-dependent increased MMP-9 secretion with 200% of control at 25 ng/ml. IL-1β showed no significant effect on MMP-2 or MMP-9 secretion by A-2058 cells, except at 25 ng/ml where MMP-2 level was reduced by ~40% and MMP-9 secretion ~50%. LPS treatment showed no significant effect on MMP-2 secretion and enhanced MMP-9 secretion up to 25 µg/ml followed by decreased level. EGCG, NM and doxycycline, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Actinomycin D, cyclohexamide and retinoic acid had inhibitory effects on MMP-2, while dexamethasone showed slight stimulatory effect on MMP-2 secretion. Our results showed that select cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors modulated A-2058 MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. They suggest the clinical potential of MMP inhibitors, especially the non-toxic ones, such as the nutrient mixture and its component EGCG in management of melanoma.

Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors in human glioblastoma T-98G cells

Brain tumors are highly aggressive, characterized by the secretion of high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 that degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers and inhibitors control MMP activity. We investigated the roles of these in the regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human glioblastoma T-98G cells. Human T-98G cells were grown in DME supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline and incubated in serum-free media with: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 ng/ml; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β at 0.1, 1, 10 and 25 ng/ml; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and doxycycline (Dox) at 10, 25, 50 and 100 µM without and with PMA; a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract without and with PMA at 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml; actinomycin D and cyclohexamide at 2 and 4 µM; retinoic acid and dexamethasone at 50 µM. After 24 h the media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and densitometry. Glioblastoma T-98G cells expressed only one band corresponding to MMP-2. PMA treatment showed increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretions up to 25 ng/ml and decreased levels of secretions at 50 and 100 ng/ml, with no significant overall effect. TNF-α induced an up and down effect on MMP-2 and a slight induction of MMP-9. IL-1β demonstrated a slight dose-dependent increase in T-98G secretion of MMP-2, but no induction of MMP-9. LPS showed dose-dependent decreased inactive MMP-2 secretion, increased active MMP-2 secretion and no effect on MMP-9. EGCG, Dox and NM, without and with PMA, downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner. Actinomycin D, cyclohexamide, retinoic acid and dexamethasone also had inhibitory effects on MMP-2. Our results showed that cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors modulated T-98G cell MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, suggesting the clinical use of MMP inhibitors, particularly such potent and non-toxic ones as the nutrient mixture and its component EGCG in the management of glioblastoma cancers.

Abstract 4053: A unique nutrient mixture suppresses ovarian cancer growth of A-2780 by inhibiting invasion and MMP-9 secretion

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy in women, and fifth leading cause of death. The American Cancer Society estimated that it would claim 14,250 lives in 2013. Despite the advances made in chemotherapy and surgery, the average time of clinical remission is approximately 2 years and the 5-year survival rate is 45%. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of a novel therapeutic approach to ovarian cancer treatment. We investigated the effect of a unique nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract on human ovarian cancer cell A-2780 in vivo and in vitro. Athymic female nude mice (n = 12) were inoculated by I.P. with 2×106 cells in 0.1ml PBS and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n = 6) was fed a regular diet and group B (n = 6) a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and tumors that developed in the ovary were excised, weighed and processed for histology. In vitro, A-2780 cells were cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. At near confluence, cells were treated with NM in triplicate at concentrations between 0-1000 μg/ml. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, MMP-9 secretion by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel and morphology by H&E staining. All control mice (Group A) developed large ovarian tumors, whereas 5 out of 6 mice in group B developed no tumors, and one, a small tumor. Zymography demonstrated only MMP-9 expression, which NM inhibited in a dose dependent fashion, with virtual total block at 250 μg/ml concentration. NM significantly inhibited invasion through Matrigel with total block at 250 μg/ml concentration. MTT showed dose dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with NM and H&E staining showed no morphological changes below 500 μg/ml NM. These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in treatment of ovarian cancer by significantly suppressing tumor growth and by inhibiting MMP-9 secretion and invasion of A-2780 ovarian cancer cells.

Citation Format: M. Waheed Roomi, Matthias Rath, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki. A unique nutrient mixture suppresses ovarian cancer growth of A-2780 by inhibiting invasion and MMP-9 secretion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4053.

Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C impair development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice

Cancer progression is characterized by loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, which is a precondition for tumor growth and metastasis. In order to elucidate the precise mechanisms of ECM degradation in cancer we used a genetically modified mouse mimicking two distinct human metabolic features associated with carcinogenesis, the lack of endogenous vitamin C synthesis and the production of human Lp(a). Female Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) and control wild-type Balb/c mice without these two metabolic features were orthotopically inoculated with 4T1 breast cancer cells (5×10⁵). The transgenic and control mice were divided into 4 different dietary groups in respect to dietary vitamin C intake: i) low ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; ii) high ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; iii) low ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by high ascorbate for 3 weeks; iv) high ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by low ascorbate for 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, all wild-type mice developed tumors. In contrast, Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) mice developed one third less primary tumors (low ascorbate diet) or no primary tumors at all (high ascorbate diet). Significantly, tumors from Lp(a)+; Gulo(−/−) mice immunostained positively for Lp(a) and their size was inversely proportional to Lp(a) serum levels. The results implicate that Lp(a) may play a role in controlling tumor growth and expansion. The most likely mechanism is the competitive inhibition of plasmin-induced ECM degradation due to the homology of Lp(a) components to plasminogen. The confirmation of this pathomechanism could lead to a universal therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

A nutrient mixture inhibits glioblastoma xenograft U-87 MG growth in male nude mice

BACKGROUND

Brain tumors are highly aggressive tumors characterized by secretions of high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, leading to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and extracellular matrix components. We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract in vitro: on activity of urokinase plasminogen activator, matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs in various human glioblastoma (LN-18, T-98G and A-172) cell lines and on glioblastoma A-172 cell proliferation and Matrigel invasion.

AIM

Our main objective in this study was to investigate the effect of the NM in vivo on human glioblastoma U-87 MG cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Athymic male nude mice inoculated with 3·10(6) U-87 MG cells subcutaneously and were fed a regular diet or a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed, the tumors were weighed and measured. The samples were studied histologically.

RESULTS

NM inhibited tumor weight and tumor burden by 53% (p = 0.015) and 48% (p = 0.010), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the therapeutic potential of NM as an adjuvant in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Abstract 3194: Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations

Several previous studies have indicated that the stromal tissue in tumors plays an indispensable role in promoting tumor growth and invasion. This is due to a reciprocal interaction and communication between the stromal and neoplastic components of tissues. Even in breast cancer cell invasion and metastases a key event has been shown to be the stimulation of fibroblasts by cancer cells to secrete enzymes such as MMPs to help degrade and modify the extracellular matrix.

In this study, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of two micronutrient combinations - NM1 and NM2 on the inhibition of growth and invasion of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 alone or in combination with human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). NM1 contains ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, green tea extract and quercetin while NM2 is a combination of plant extracts such as curcumin, cruciferex, green tea extract and resveratrol.

In the in vitro studies we evaluated the effect of NM1 and NM2 on several parameters such as breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and expression of matrix degrading proteases (MMPs). Treatment of NHDF with conditioned media (CM) from MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in an enhanced MMP2 enzyme expression. However, treatment with both combinations of nutrients resulted in a dose dependent reduction in the MMP2 expression to basal or lower levels. The invasion assay also showed that the invasive ability of normal fibroblasts was significantly enhanced by co-incubation with breast cancer cells in the Boyden chamber. The invasiveness was however reduced considerably upon treatment with both NM1 and NM2. A similar dose dependent inhibition in growth, invasion and migration was observed in MDA-MB-231 alone and in co-cultures.

In the in vivo study, 5-6 week old mice were orthotopically inoculated with 4×106 MDA-MB-231 cells alone (Group 1) or in combination with fibroblasts (Group 2) into the mammary pad of female nude mice. Each group (n = 18) was further divided into 3 sets based on the diet: Set A was fed a regular diet; Set B was fed a diet supplemented with NM1 and Set C was fed a diet supplemented with NM2. After 6 weeks the mice were sacrificed and the tumors were excised and processed for histology. The tumor weight was recorded and it was found that NM1 and NM2 inhibited tumor weight by 42% each in group 1 and by 41% and 55% respectively in group 2. The tumor weight decreased from 1.78±0.28g in group 1A to 1.03±0.25g in group 1B and 1.03±0.12g in group 1C. Similarly, tumor weight showed a reduction from 1.64±0.19g in group 2A to 0.97±0.17g in group 2B and 0.74±0.26g in group 2C.

The results suggest that both NM1 and NM2 have significant therapeutic potential in treatment of breast cancer, both through a direct suppressive effect on cancer cells and through an indirect effect of limiting cancer-stromal interactions by inhibiting communication between cancer cells and fibroblasts.

Citation Format: Neha Shanker, M. Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Inhibition of breast cancer - fibroblast interaction by specific micronutrient combinations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3194. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3194

Abstract 2288: Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C affect the development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice

Lipoprotein(a), composed of LDL and an adhesive protein apo(a), is produced in humans and primates, the species which lost an ability to synthesize vitamin C endogenously. We have shown earlier that Lp(a), due to its strong ECM binding properties, may be considered a biological ‘stability’ molecule for the structurally weakened connective tissue in the vascular wall. The development and progression of cancer is characterized by loss of ECM integrity which facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. We developed a unique mouse model lacking endogenous vitamin C production (Gulo-/-) and synthesizing human Lp(a) (lp(a)+), which has been used in this study to investigate the role of Lp(a) and other lipoproteins in cancer.

The female Gulo-/-:Lp(a)+ and control wild type Balb/c mice were orthotopically inoculated with 4T1 breast cancer cells (500,000) The transgenic and control mice were divided into 4 different dietary groups in respect to dietary vitamin C intake: A) low ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; B) high ascorbate intake for 6 weeks; C) low ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by high ascorbate for 3 weeks; D)high ascorbate intake for 3 weeks followed by low ascorbate for 3 weeks. Control groups of Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice without tumor inoculation were put on the same Vitamin C regimens. Wild type controls included mice without and with 4T1 inoculation kept on regular mouse chow for 6 weeks.

After 6 weeks all (100%) wild type mice developed tumors, while 50% of Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice kept on high ascorbate diet for 6 weeks did not develop primary tumors and in only a small number of mice some residual tumor cells or inflammatory infiltrates were detected in the lungs by histology. In transgenic mice supplemented with low vitamin C for 6 weeks, the reduction of primary tumors incidence was 33% compared to wild type mice. In addition, primary tumors from wild type mice were on average over 2-fold larger (1.80+/-0.62g) than tumors from Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice on continual low Vitamin C (0.77+/-0.98g) or continual high Vitamin C (0.63+/-1.09g. Primary tumors from Lp(a)+;Gulo(-/-) mice immunostained positively for Lp(a) and their size was inversely proportional Lp(a) cholesterol serum levels. Lp(a) could not be detected in tumors from wild type mice and the presence of tumors was associated with higher LDL serum levels. The results implicate that Lp(a) may play a role in controlling tumor growth and expansion through its ECM adhesive properties.

Citation Format: John Cha, M. Waheed Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. Lipoprotein(a) and vitamin C affect the development of breast cancer tumors in Lp(a)+; Gulo-/- mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2288. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2288

Effect of a nutrient mixture on the localization of extracellular matrix proteins in HeLa human cervical cancer xenografts in female nude mice

Cervical cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a significant cause of mortality in women worldwide. Although cervical cancer is fully treatable in the early stages, once it has metastasized, patient outcome is poor. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, ascorbic acid, proline, green tea extract and other micronutrients on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in HeLa cell xenografts in nude female mice. After housing for 1 week, female athymic nude mice between 5 and 6 weeks of age (n=12) were inoculated subcutaneously with 3×10⁶ HeLa cells in phosphate-buffered saline and Matrigel and randomly divided into two groups. These were the control group, in which the mice were fed with regular mouse chow, and the NM group, in which the mice were fed with the regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w). After 4 weeks, the tumors were excised and processed for histology. Tumor growth was evaluated and the tumors were stained for the ECM proteins collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and elastin. NM strongly inhibited (by 59%, P=0.001) the growth of HeLa xenografts in nude mice. Tumors from control mice exhibited little to no collagen I expression either internally or in the fibrous capsule, while tumors from the NM group expressed collagen I in the fibrous capsule and within the tumor. Tumors from the control group showed diffuse cytoplasmic and capsular collagen IV with abundant nucleated cells. NM treatment substantially increased collagen IV production and induced a dense fibrous network of collagen IV with chambers that surrounded live nucleated cells and large amounts of necrotic cell debris. Tumors from the mice fed with the NM exhibited a well-defined border of fibronectin in the capsule and intense areas of staining internally whereas control group tumors showed less overall fibronectin with sporadic internal staining and little in the fibrous capsule. Although laminin appeared abundantly in control and NM-treated tumors, the NM group tumors exhibited a chamber-like network of laminin internally. Tumors from the control group exhibited internal areas of intense PAS staining, whereas tumors from the NM-treated group exhibited a more uniform diffuse pattern of PAS staining. In conclusion, NM supplementation of HeLa xenograft-bearing female nude mice demonstrated a potent inhibition of tumor growth and enhancement of ECM proteins, suggesting the therapeutic value of this specific nutrient complex in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Modulation of uPA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human colorectal, pancreatic and hepatic carcinoma cell lines

Colorectal, pancreatic and hepatic carcinomas are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. These and other proteases, such as uPA, play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of uPA and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on activity of uPA, MMPs and TIMPs in colon HCT-116, pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 and hepatic carcinoma SK-Hep-1 cell lines. These cell lines (ATCC) were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/ml. Analysis of uPA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. All three cancer cell lines expressed uPA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. On gelatinase zymography, SK-Hep-1 showed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 with enhancement of MMP-9 with PMA (100 ng/ml) treatment. HCT-116 and MIA PaCa-2 showed strong bands corresponding to MMP-9 but no MMP-2 band. NM inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of TIMPs was upregulated by NM in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between uPA and MMP-9 and a negative correlation between uPA/MMP-9 and TIMP-2. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in treatment of colon, pancreatic and hepatic carcinomas.

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of human Fanconi anemia head and neck squamous carcinoma by a phytonutrient combination

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and acute myeloid leukemia are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the antineoplastic activity of PB, an antineoplastic nutrient mixture (containing quercetin, curcumin, green tea, cruciferex and resveratrol) on human FA HNSCC in vitro and in vivo. Human FA HNSCC cell line OHSU-974 (Fanconi Anemia Research Fund) was cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 20% FBS and anti-biotics. At near confluence, cells were treated in triplicate with different concentrations of PB: 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/ml. Cells were also treated with PMA to induce MMP-9 activity. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, secretion of MMPs by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, migration by scratch test and morphology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In vivo, athymic male nude mice (n=12) were inoculated with 3x106 OHSU-974 cells subcutaneously and randomly divided into two groups: group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 1% PB. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology. NM inhibited the growth of OHSU-974 tumor by 67.6% (p<0.0001) and tumor burden by 63.6% (p<0.0001). PB demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, with 27% (p=0.0003) and 48% (p=0.0004) toxicity at 75 and 100 µg/ml, respectively. Zymography revealed MMP-2 and PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion. PB suppressed secretion of both MMPs in a dose-dependent manner, with total block of both at 50 µg/ml. PB inhibited cell migration (by scratch test) and OHSU-974 invasion through Matrigel in a dose-dependent fashion with total block at 50 µg/ml. H&E staining showed no morphological changes below 50 µg/ml. The results suggest that PB has potential therapeutic use in the treatment of human FA HNSCC.

Effects of a nutrient mixture on immunohistochemical localization of cancer markers in human cervical cancer HeLa cell tumor xenografts in female nude mice

Although fully treatable in the early stages, once cervical cancer has metastasized, patient outcome is poor. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, ascorbic acid, proline, green tea extract and other micronutrients on HeLa cell xenografts in nude female mice. Tumor growth was measured and immunohistochemical staining was evaluated for the following cancer markers: Ki67 (proliferation); matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 (invasion/metastasis); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (angiogenesis); terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) (apoptosis); cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (inflammation); and glutathione S-transferase π (GSTπ) (a general cancer marker). Following housing for a week, 5/6-week-old female athymic nude mice (n=12) were inoculated subcutaneously with 3×10⁶ HeLa cells in 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline and 0.1 ml Matrigel™ and randomly divided into two groups; control group mice were fed regular mouse chow and NM group mice the regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w). After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised and processed for histology. The NM strongly inhibited the growth of HeLa xenografts in nude mice. The mean tumor weight was reduced to 59% (P=0.001) in the mice fed the NM compared with the tumor weight in the controlled diet mice. Ki67, MMP-2 and -9, VEGF, TUNEL, Bcl-2, COX-2, iNOS and GSTπ all showed a lower intensity and frequency of staining in the NM group compared with that in the control group. In conclusion, NM supplementation strongly inhibited tumor growth and cancer markers in female nude mice injected with HeLa xenografts.

Abstract 4963: In vivo and in vitro effect of a nutrient mixture on murine 4T1 breast cancer

Breast cancer patients often have detectable or occult metastases at diagnosis and most patients will develop metastatic lesions during the course of the disease. We investigated the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract on murine breast cancer 4T1, a unique metastatic breast cancer model that has the capacity to metastasize efficiently to sites affected in human breast cancer. After one week of isolation, 5-6 week old female Balb/C mice were inoculated with 5x105 4T1 cells into the mammary pad and randomly divided into two groups; group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors, lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts and spleens were excised and processed for histology. Dimensions (length and width) of tumors were measured using a digital caliper, and the tumor burden was calculated using the following formula: 0.5 x length x width. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro on 4T1 cells, measuring cell proliferation by MTT assay, MMP secretion by zymography, invasion through Matrigel , migration by scratch test and morphology by H&E staining. NM inhibited tumor weight and burden of 4T1 tumors by 50% (p =0.02) and 53.4% (p&lt;0.0001), respectively. Lung metastasis was profoundly inhibited by NM supplementation: mean number of colonies was reduced by 87% (p&lt;0.0001) and mean weight of lungs by 60% (p=0.0001) compared to control mice. Metastasis to liver, spleen, kidney and heart was significantly reduced with NM supplementation. In vitro, NM exhibited 50% toxicity over the control at 250 and 500 µg/ml concentrations. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion which was inhibited by NM in a dose dependent fashion, with virtual total inhibition of both at 1000 µg/ml. Migration by scratch test and Invasion through Matrigel were inhibited in a dose dependent manner with total block of invasion at 250 µg/ml and of migration at 1000 µg/ml. These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in treatment of breast cancer.

Citation Format: M. Waheed Roomi, John Cha, Nusrath Roomi, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Matthias Rath. In vivo and in vitro effect of a nutrient mixture on murine 4T1 breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4963. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4963

In vitro inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases, invasion and growth of Fanconi anemia human FANCA and FANCC lymphoblasts by nutrient mixture

AIM

Fanconi anemia is a rare genetic disorder with high propensity for development of cancers, such as aplastic anemia, leukemia and head and neck cancers. Collagen digesting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes have been implicated in for their role in various malignancies and to promote metastasis. Biological agents that prevent extracellular matrix digestion by the MMPs have been shown to be promising therapeutic approaches to cancer. In this study, we investigated effects of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing, ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract, on human FANCA and FANCC lymphoblasts for viability, MMP secretion and invasion.

METHODS

Human FANCA lymphoblasts GM13022 and HCS536 were challenged with NM at concentration range within 10-1000 µg/ml. Cell toxicity was assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion test. Invasion was evaluated through Matrigel and gelatinase zymography for MMP activity.

RESULTS

NM was toxic in dose dependent mode to HCS536 cells but not to GM13022 cells. GM13022 cells but not HCS536 cells exhibited MMP-9 secretion, which was inhibited by NM. Matrigel invasion was inhibited in HCS536 cells at 100 and 500 µg/ml by 27% and 93%, respectively. In GM13022 cells, the NM showed completely blocked Matrigel invasion at 500 µg/ml.

CONCLUSION

NM inhibited MMP secretion and Matrigel invasion in FANCA and inhibited invasion and induced toxicity in FANCC lymphoblasts. These results suggest that the NM may have therapeutic potential in Fanconi anemia associated neoplasia.

In vitro and in vivo effects of a nutrient mixture on breast cancer progression

Long-term survival of patients with breast cancer remains poor, due to metastasis and recurrence. We investigated the effects of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract in vitro and in vivo on 4T1 murine breast cancer, a representative model for metastatic breast cancer. After one week of isolation, 5-6-week-old female Balb/C mice were inoculated with 5x10⁵ 4T1 cells into the mammary pad and randomly divided into two groups; the control group was fed a regular diet and the NM group a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. After four weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors, lungs, livers, kidneys, hearts and spleens were excised and processed for histology. Dimensions (length and width) of tumors were measured using a digital caliper, and the tumor burden was calculated using the following formula: 0.5 x length x width. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro on 4T1 cells, measuring cell proliferation by MTT assay, MMP secretion by zymography, invasion through Matrigel, migration by scratch test and morphology by H&E staining. NM inhibited tumor weight and burden of 4T1 tumors by 50% (p=0.02) and 53.4% (p≤0.0001), respectively. Lung metastasis was profoundly inhibited by NM supplementation: mean number of colonies was reduced by 87% (p<0.0001) and mean weight of lungs by 60% (p=0.0001) compared to control mice. Metastasis to liver, spleen, kidney and heart was significantly reduced with NM supplementation. In vitro, NM exhibited 50% toxicity over the control at 250 and 500 µg/ml concentrations. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner, with virtual total inhibition of both at 1,000 µg/ml. Migration by scratch test and invasion through Matrigel were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with total block of invasion at 250 and of migration at 1,000 µg/ml. These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast cancer.

Prevention of Adriamycin-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in male BALB/c mice by a nutrient mixture

Adriamycin (ADR), an antineoplastic antibiotic used in cancer therapy, is associated with toxicity to vital organs with long-term use. A nutrient mixture (NM) has previously been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the NM is useful for preventing ADR-induced hepatic and nephric toxicity. Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of six animals each. Groups A and C were fed a regular diet for three weeks and groups B and D were fed a diet supplemented with 1% NM. After three weeks, the mice in groups C and D received 20 mg/kg body weight ADR intraperitoneally, while those in groups A and B received saline alone. Animals were sacrificed after 24 h, blood samples were collected and serum was obtained for clinical chemistry. Organs were also excised and weighed. Administration of ADR to group C (control diet) resulted in a marked increase in hepatic alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase levels and renal blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid serum markers. However, in group D (NM 1% diet), the serum markers were comparable with the levels of group A and B. Therefore, the results indicate that NM has the potential to protect against ADR-induced hepatic and nephric damage.

Prevention of amiodarone-induced cardiac toxicity in male BALB/c mice by a nutrient mixture

Amiodarone (Amio), a potent anti-arrhythmic drug, is associated with life-threatening pulmonary toxicity involving fibroses and inflammation. A unique nutrient mixture (NM) consisting of lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, N-acetyl cysteine and green tea extract has previously been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological, therapeutic, cardiovascular and chemopreventive properties. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the NM exhibits preventive effects on Amio-induced cardiac toxicity. Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups (A–D) of six animals per group. Mice in groups A and C were fed a regular diet for three weeks, while the diets of the mice in groups B and D were supplemented with 1% NM during that period. After three weeks, the mice in groups C and D received daily Amio injections of 50 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 4 days, whilst those in groups A and B received saline alone. At 24 h after the final dose, mice were sacrificed, blood was withdrawn and serum was collected for clinical chemistry of the heart enzymes creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, livers, kidneys, hearts and lungs were excised and weighed. No significant differences in weight gain were identified among the groups and liver, kidney, heart and lung weights were comparable in all four groups. Administration of Amio to group C resulted in a significant increase in serum CPK levels, whereas in NM-fed group D, the CPK levels were comparable to those in the saline injection groups, A and B. Amio administration also resulted in a significant increase in serum AST levels in group C, but not in the group D animals which exhibited similar levels to those of groups A and B. Therefore, the results indicate that NM has the potential to protect against Amio-induced cardiac toxicity.

Effect of a nutrient mixture on matrix metalloproteinase-9 dimers in various human cancer cell lines

Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival, as it plays a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. MMP-9 is secreted in both the monomeric and dimeric form. Although there is little research on MMP-9 dimers, some studies have shown the dimer to be associated with more aggressive tumor progression. Our objective was to study the relative secretion patterns of MMP-9 monomer and dimer in a variety of cancer cell lines and the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract on MMP-9 secretion. The cancer cell lines were grown in their respective media, supplemented with 10% FBS, penicillin (100 U/ml) and streptomycin (100 µg/ml) in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with NM at 0,10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 µg/ml. Parallel sets of cultures were treated with PMA (100 ng/ml) for induction of MMP-9. Cell MMP-9 secretion was assayed by gelatinase zymography. MMP-9 dimer secretion patterns of cancer cells fell into different categories. We observed no MMP-9 dimer in prostate DU-145 and PC-3, pancreatic MIA-Pa-Ca2, colon HCT-116, bladder T-24, head and neck FaDu, glioblastoma A-172, T-98 and LN-18 and leukemia HL-60, Jurkat, and Raji cell lines. MMP-dimer secretion only with PMA induction was seen in breast MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, uterine SK-UT-1, lung A-549, tongue SC-25, melanoma A2058, osteosarcoma U-2OS, rhabdomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma HT-1080, chondrosarcoma SW-1350 and liposarcoma SW-872. Cervical HeLa and DoTc 2 4510, renal 786-0 and HCC SK-Hep-1 cells exhibited MMP-9 dimer without PMA treatment and increased secretion with PMA treatment. Sarcomas had the highest levels of MMP-9 monomer and dimer with and without PMA among these cancer cell lines. Cervical, uterine and male breast cancer cell lines showed the next highest levels of MMP-9, followed by breast cancer cell lines. Melanoma, renal, lung, head and neck and HCC showed lower levels and prostate, glioblastoma, bladder and leukemia cell lines the lowest. NM showed dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-9 monomer and dimer in all cell lines tested. In conclusion, high MMP-9 and dimer secretion levels correlated with the most aggressive cancer cell lines. NM was effective in inhibiting MMP-9 and dimer secretion in all cell lines tested, suggesting its therapeutic potential as an antimetastatic agent.

In vitro modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in pediatric human sarcoma cell lines by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors

The highly aggressive pediatric sarcomas are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, which play crucial roles in tumor invasion and metastasis by degradation of the extracellular membrane leading to cancer cell spread to distal organs. We examined the effects of cytokines, mitogens, inducers and inhibitors on MMP-2 and -9 expression in osteosarcoma (U2OS) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RD). The selected compounds included natural cytokines and growth factors, as well as chemical compounds applied in therapy of sarcoma and natural compounds that have demonstrated anticancer therapeutic potential. These cell lines were cultured in their respective media to near confluence and the cells were washed with PBS and incubated in serum-free medium with various concentrations of several cytokines, mitogens and inhibitors. After 24 h the media were removed and analyzed for MMP-2 and -9 by gelatinase zymography and quantitated by densitometry. Osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma showed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and -9 with dose-dependent enhancement of MMP-9 with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and LPS enhanced osteosarcoma U2OS MMP-9 secretion but had no effect on MMP-2 secretion. Tumor necrosis factor-α stimulated rhabdomyosarcoma MMP-2 expression, but had no effect on MMP-9 secretion. Doxycycline, epigallocatechin gallate, nutrient mixture (NM), actinomycin-D, cyclohex-amide, retinoic acid and dexamethasone inhibited MMP-2 and -9 in U2OS osteosarcoma cells. PMA-treated RD cells showed dose-response inhibition of MMP-9 by doxycycline and epigallocatechin gallate and both MMPs by NM. Dexamethasone and actinomycin-D showed inhibition of MMP-2 secretion of RD cells. Our results show that cytokines, mitogens and inducers show variable upregulation of U2OS osteosarcoma and RD rhabdomyosarcoma MMP-2 and -9 secretion, and inhibitors demonstrate downregulation under stimulatory conditions, suggesting the application of these agents for the development of effective therapies in pediatric sarcomas.

In vitro modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in adult human sarcoma cell lines by cytokines, inducers and inhibitors

The highly aggressive adult sarcomas are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, which play crucial roles in tumor invasion and metastasis by degradation of the extracellular membrane leading to cancer cell spread to distal organs. We examined the effect of cytokines, mitogens, inducers and inhibitors on MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion in chondrosarcoma (SW-1353), fibrosarcoma (HT-1080), liposarcoma (SW-872) and synovial sarcoma (SW-982) cell lines. The selected compounds included natural cytokines and growth factors, as well as chemical compounds applied in therapy of sarcoma and natural compounds that have demonstrated anticancer therapeutic potential. MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretions were analyzed by gelatinase zymography following 24-h exposure to the tested agents and quantitated by densitometry. Fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma showed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 with dose-dependent enhancement of MMP-9 with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. In chondrosarcoma cells, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α had a stimulatory effect on MMP-9 and insignificant effect on MMP-2 and interleukin (IL)-1β stimulated MMP-9 and MMP-2. In fibrosarcoma and liposarcoma cells, TNF-α had a profound stimulatory effect on MMP-9, but no effect on MMP-2 and in synovial sarcoma an inhibitory effect on MMP-2 and no effect on MMP-9. IL-1β had a slight inhibitory effect on fibrosarcoma, liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma MMP-2 and MMP-9 except for MMP-9 in synovial sarcoma which showed slight stimulation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated expression of MMP-2 in fibrosarcoma and chondrosarcoma while inhibited it in liposarcoma. Doxycycline, epigallocatechin gallate and the nutrient mixture inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 in all cell lines. Actinomycin-D, cyclohexamide, retinoic acid, and dexamethasone inhibited MMP-2 and -9 in chondrosarcoma and fibrosarcoma cells. Our results show that cytokines, mitogens, inducers and inhibitors have an up or down regulatory effect on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in adult sarcoma cell lines, suggesting these agents may be effective strategies to treat these cancers.

Inhibition of growth and expression of inflammation mediators in human leukemic cell line U-937 by a nutrient mixture

AIM

A nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline and green tea extract has exhibited anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo in a number of cancer cell lines. We investigated the effect of NM on human leukemic myeloid U-937 cells in vitro by measuring: cell proliferation, MMP expression, invasion, apoptosis, and COX-2 and COX-1 protein expression.

METHODS

Human leukemic cell line U-937 (ATCC) was cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. After 24 h, the cells were treated with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 Ојg/ml, in triplicate at each dose. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), 100 ng/ml was added to cells to induce MMP-9 secretion. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMP expression by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, apoptosis by using live green caspase detection kit (Molecular Probe), and COX-2 and COX-1 expression by Western blot.

RESULTS

NM had no effect on U-937 cell growth at a concentration of 250 Ојg/ml and exhibited an antiproliferative effect at 500 Ојg/ml concentration. Zymography did not demonstrate MMP-2 or MMP-9 secretion in normal cells; however, PMA strongly induced MMP-9, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. Cell penetration through Matrigel was significantly reduced (by 95%) at 250 Ојg/ml NM and completely blocked at 500 Ојg/ml NM. NM induced slight apoptosis at 100 Ојg/ml and moderate at 500 and 1000 Ојg/ml concentration. NM inhibited COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent fashion and had no effect on COX-1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that NM has potent inhibitory effects on U-937 cell growth and expression of inflammatory mediators, significant parameters in AML progression.

Modulation of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in pediatric human sarcoma cell lines

Pediatric sarcomas are highly aggressive tumors that are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions that degrade the ECM and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Proteases play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of u-PA and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on activity of u-PA, MMPs and TIMPs in various human pediatric sarcomas. Human osteosarcoma MNNG-HOS, osteosarcoma U-2OS and rhabdomyosarcoma RD cell lines (ATCC) were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. All sarcoma cell lines studied expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. On gelatinase zymography, osteosarcoma MNNG-HOS showed a band corresponding to MMP-2 and induction of MMP-9 with PMA (100 ng/ml) treatment. U-2OS osteosarcoma cells showed strong bands corresponding to inactive MMP-2 and MMP-9 and faint bands corresponding to active MMP-2 and MMP-9 dimer; PMA treatment enhanced MMP-9 and MMP-9 dimer activity. Rhabdomyosarcoma showed MMP-2 and faint MMP-9 bands; PMA treatment enhanced MMP-9 expression. NM inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of TIMPs was upregulated by NM in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between u-PA and MMPs and a negative correlation between u-PA/MMPs and TIMPs. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in treatment of pediatric sarcomas.

Modulation of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in adult human sarcoma cell lines

Adult sarcomas are highly aggressive tumors that are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions that degrade the ECM and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Proteases play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of u-PA and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on the activity of u-PA, MMPs and TIMPs in various human adult sarcomas. Human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080), chondrosarcoma (SW-1353), liposarcoma (SW-872), synovial sarcoma (SW-982) and uterine leimyosarcoma (SK-UT-1) cell lines (ATCC) were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 μg/ml. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. Fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma cancer cell lines expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. However, no bands corresponding to u-PA were detected for synovial sarcoma cells. On gelatinase zymography, fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma showed bands corresponding to MMP-2 and MMP-9 with enhancement of MMP-9 with PMA (100 ng/ml) treatment. Uterine leiomyosarcoma showed strong bands corresponding to inactive and active MMP-9 and a faint band corresponding to MMP-9 dimer induced with PMA treatment, but no MMP-2 band. NM inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of TIMPs was upregulated by NM in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between u-PA and MMPs and a negative correlation between u-PA/MMPs and TIMPs. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in treatment of adult sarcomas.

Abstract 2822: Ascorbic acid synergistically potentiates antimetastatic effect of natural products on 4T1 tumors

Our main objective was to determine the differential response of female gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo) mice challenged with 4T1 to vitamin C deficient, subclinical vitamin C sufficient, or vitamin C combined with other additional natural products (EQC) diets against 4T1 secondary growth phase metastasis to lungs, kidneys, and liver. Live murine 4T1 cells (5x105) were administered subcutaneously to the right flank of female Gulo (-/-) mice (n=27) 35-40 weeks of age and 18 age matched female wild-type mice. Tumors were established for an additional 2 weeks on subclinical vitamin C (100mg/L in water) in the Gulo (-/-) group, or with regular food and water in the wild-type vitamin C-generating mice. Tumor measurements were taken and the Gulo (-/-) mice were distributed into 3 groups (n=9 in each) to ensure average tumor burden was equivalent before therapy. Mice were then maintained for an additional 2 weeks on either subclinical vitamin C in water, subclinical C water + vitamin C (equivalent to that provided by 0.5% EQC supplemented diet), and subclinical C water + 0.5% EQC supplemented diet. Wild-type mice received an additional 2 weeks of either regular murine diet or 0.5% EQC supplemented food and regular water. At the endpoint, serum was collected, lungs, livers, and kidneys were evaluated for metastatic burden, and tissues collected for histology. Tumors were also harvested, weighed, and sectioned for histology. EQC exhibited the strongest anti-metastatic effect upon the second growth phase in scorbutic Gulo (-/-) mice as well as wild type vitamin C generating mice. Gulo (-/-) mice maintained throughout the study on subclinical vitamin C presented with the worst outcomes, including novel renal involvement. Vitamin C in diet equivalent to that in 0.5% EQC afforded only protection against novel renal pathology, but the metastatic burden was similar to that in subclinical C group. 0.5% EQC abrogated the cases of moderate to severe metastasis in scorbutic Gulo (-/-) mice by 16% compared to subclinical vitamin C group. In wild-type mice, 0.5% EQC abrogated the cases of moderate to severe metastasis by 37%. This study demonstrates that 0.5% EQC is superior to vitamin C alone in reducing metastasis from a primary 4T1 tumor and that prior scurvy is deleterious upon host resistance to primary tumors and reduces the efficacy of subsequent therapy against metastasis. Prior endogenous vitamin C generation in wild-type mice before tumor inoculation and continuous vitamin C generation during therapy with 0.5% EQC suggests that vitamin C both enhances host resistance and synergistically potentiates the effect of additional therapy. Tumor mass itself was not related to metastatic burden, suggesting that differing biochemical composition of the stromal and tumor structures are responsible for a metastatic or non-metastatic tumor of equal size.

Citation Format: John Cha, M. Waheed Roomi, Matthias Rath, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki. Ascorbic acid synergistically potentiates antimetastatic effect of natural products on 4T1 tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2822. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2822

Modulation of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human lung cancer and mesothelioma cell lines

Lung cancer, the most prevalent cancer worldwide and malignant mesothelioma are highly aggressive tumors that are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretion. Proteases play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of u-PA and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPS). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on the activity of u-PA, MMPs and TIMPs on human lung and malignant mesothelioma (MM) cell lines. Human lung cancer (A-549 and Calu-3) and malignant mesothelioma (MSTO-211H) cell lines were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. Both lung cancer cell lines expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. However, no bands corresponding to u-PA were detected for the MSTO-211H MM cell line. On gelatinase zymography, A-549 cells showed one band corresponding to MMP-2 and induction of MMP-9 with PMA (100 ng/ml) treatment. MSTO-211H showed two bands, an intense band corresponding to MMP-2 and a faint band corresponding to MMP-9; MMP-9 was enhanced significantly with PMA treatment. NM inhibited their expression in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Calu-3 showed no MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression. Activity of TIMPs was upregulated by NM in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between u-PA and MMPs and a negative correlation between u-PA/MMPs and TIMPs. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in the treatment of lung and mesothelioma cancers.

Repression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibition of cell invasion by a nutrient mixture, containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract on human Fanconi anemia fibroblast cell lines

AIM

Fanconi Anemia, an autosomal recessive disorder, is characterized by chromosomal abnormality leading to birth defects, progressive bone marrow failure, and a high probability of developing malignancy at an early age. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and myeloid leukemia are the major causes of cancer related morbidity and mortality in Fanconi anemia patients.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of a nutrient mixture on Fanconi Anemia human fibroblast cell lines FA-A:PD20 and FA-A:PD220 on matrix metalloproteinase expression, invasion, cell proliferation, morphology and apoptosis. The cell lines were grown in a modified Dulbecco's Eagle medium and at near confluence were treated with the nutrient mixture at increasing doses: 0; 10; 50; 100; 500; 1000 µg/ml. The cells were also treated with PMA to induce MMP-9 expression.

RESULTS

Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and PMA-induced MMP-9 activity. The nutrient mixture inhibited expression of both, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in a dose dependent manner with virtually total inhibition observed at 500 µg/ml. Matrigel invasion was inhibited in both cells lines; with 100% inhibition for FA-A:PD20 at 500 µg/ml and 100% inhibition of FA-A:P220 cells at 100 µg/ml. H&E staining did not indicate any change in cell morphology and causes apoptosis at higher doses.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated that the nutrient mixture inhibited matrix metalloproteinase expression, invasion and induced apoptosis, the important parameters for cancer prevention. The results suggest that the nutrient mixture may have therapeutic potential in Fanconi Anemia associated neoplasia.

Inhibition of the SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma cell line in vivo and in vitro by a novel nutrient mixture

Neuroblastoma, a peripheral nervous system cancer that can be highly invasive and metastatic, accounts for 8–10% of all solid childhood tumors in children under the age of 15 years. Despite multiple clinical efforts, prognosis remains poor for this enigmatic disease. A nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract has shown significant antitumor effects. Using the nude mouse xenograft model, we investigated the efficacy of NM. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro, evaluating cell viability, secretion of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 secretion, Matrigel invasion and cellular apoptosis and morphology. Athymic nude mice 5–6 weeks of age were inoculated with 3×10⁶ SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells subcutaneously and randomly divided into two groups. Group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro. NM inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors by 22% (P=0.04); and, in vitro, NM induced dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation with a decrease of 27% (P=0.001) and 36% (P=0.002) at 500 and 1000 μg/ml NM compared to the control, respectively. Zymography revealed MMP-2 secretion in normal cells and PMA (100 ng/ml)-induced MMP-9 secretion. NM inhibited the secretion of both MMPs with total blockage at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Reverse zymography demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in TIMP-2 expression by NM. Notable, SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma cells were not invasive through Matrigel. NM induced dose-dependent apoptosis of SK-N-MC cells. The results suggest that NM may have therapeutic potential in treating neuroblastoma.

Suppression of metastasis of intratesticular inoculation of B16FO melanoma cells by a novel nutrient mixture in male athymic nude mice

Metastasis, commonly to the lung, is the major cause of mortality from testicular cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, amino acids and green tea extract on the inhibition of melanoma growth and metastasis using a model of intratesticular inoculation of B16FO cells into nude mice. Male athymic mice (n=12), 10–12 weeks of age, were inoculated with 5×10⁵ B16FO melanoma cells in 100 μl of PBS into the right testis, while the left testis was left untreated. Following inoculation, the mice were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=6) was fed a regular mouse chow diet and the NM 1% group (n=6) the same diet, but supplemented with 1% NM. Four weeks later the mice were sacrificed and the abdominal cavity was opened. Mice in the control group exhibited extensive metastasis in the peritoneal cavity and severely enlarged right testes and necrotic seminiferous tubules. By contrast, in the NM 1% fed group there was no evidence of peritoneal metastasis in 50% of the animals and mild metastasis in the remaining 50%. The right testes were enlarged and seminiferous tubules in the area of invasion showed evidence of degeneration. No metastasis to the liver, kidney or spleen were evident in either group. However, severe lung metastasis was observed in 2 of 6 mice in the control group and mild metastasis in 2 of 6 mice in the NM 1% group. In conclusion, these results confirm earlier studies and verify the anti-metastatic potential of NM.

Ascorbate supplementation inhibits growth and metastasis of B16FO melanoma and 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitamin C-deficient mice

Degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in the formation of tumors and metastasis and has been found to correlate with the aggressiveness of tumor growth and invasiveness of cancer. Ascorbic acid, which is known to be essential for the structural integrity of the intercellular matrix, is not produced by humans and must be obtained from the diet. Cancer patients have been shown to have very low reserves of ascorbic acid. Our main objective was to determine the effect of ascorbate supplementation on metastasis, tumor growth and tumor immunohistochemistry in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid [gulonolactone oxidase (gulo) knockout (KO)] when challenged with B16FO melanoma or 4T1 breast cancer cells. Gulo KO female mice 36-38 weeks of age were deprived of or maintained on ascorbate in food and water for 4 weeks prior to and 2 weeks post intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 5×10⁵ B16FO murine melanoma cells or to injection of 5×10⁵ 4T1 breast cancer cells into the mammary pad of mice. Ascorbate-supplemented gulo KO mice injected with B16FO melanoma cells demonstrated significant reduction (by 71%, p=0.005) in tumor metastasis compared to gulo KO mice on the control diet. The mean tumor weight in ascorbate supplemented mice injected with 4T1 cells was reduced by 28% compared to tumor weight in scorbutic mice. Scorbutic tumors demonstrated large dark cores, associated with increased necrotic areas and breaches to the tumor surface, apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and weak, disorganized or missing collagen I tumor capsule. In contrast, the ascorbate-supplemented group tumors had smaller fainter colored cores and confined areas of necrosis/apoptosis with no breaches from the core to the outside of the tumor and a robust collagen I tumor capsule. In both studies, ascorbate supplementation of gulo KO mice resulted in profoundly decreased serum inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 (99% decrease, p=0.01 in the B16F0 study and 85% decrease, p=0.08 in the 4T1 study) compared to the levels in gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate. In the B16FO study, ascorbate supplementation of gulo KO mice resulted in profoundly decreased serum VEGF (98% decrease, p=0.019 than in the scorbutic gulo KO mice). As expected, mean serum ascorbate level in ascorbate-restricted mice was 2% (p<0.001) of the mean ascorbate levels in supplemented mice. In conclusion, ascorbate supplementation hinders metastasis, tumor growth and inflammatory cytokine secretion as well as enhanced encapsulation of tumors elicited by melanoma and breast cancer cell challenge in gulo KO mice.

Antineoplastic activity of a nutrient mixture in Y-79 malignant retinoblastoma cells

Retinoblastoma is one of the most common ocular malignancies in children under the age of six. Occasionally, retinoblastoma metastasizes to extraocular organs including the bone, lung and brain. Left untreated, retinoblastoma is fatal. At present, there is no effective treatment for metastatic retinoblastoma. We investigated the antineoplastic activity of a nutrient mixture (NM) (lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract) at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 μg/ml in triplicate at each dose in the human malignant retinoblastoma Y-79 cell line. The parameters used were cell proliferation, expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), invasion through Matrigel, morphology and apoptosis. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue dye exclusion test. Invasion was evaluated through Matrigel and MMP activity by gelatinase zymography. H&E staining for morphological cell alterations and apoptotic studies using the Live Green Poly Caspase Detection kit were also conducted. The nutrient mixture at 10–100 μg/ml demonstrated approximately 25% toxicity towards Y-79 retinoblastoma cells and significant toxicity at 500 and 1,000 μg/ml. The Y-79 cells secreted only MMP-2 as demonstrated by zymography; the nutrient mixture had no effect on MMP-2 expression up to 100 μg/ml, but completely blocked it at 500 μg/ml. Importantly, Y-79 retinoblastoma cells were not invasive through Matrigel. H&E staining showed cell morphological changes related to apoptosis, which was confirmed using the Live Green Poly Caspase Detection kit. Our results suggest that this nutrient mixture, which inhibited cell proliferation, expression of MMP-2 and induced apoptosis, may be a candidate for further exploration for its therapeutic potential in metastatic retinoblastoma.

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of human Fanconi anemia-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by a novel nutrient mixture

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and acute myeloid leukemia are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the antineoplastic activity of a novel antineoplastic nutrient mixture (NM) (containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract) in human FA-associated HNSCC (FA HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo. The human FA HNSCC cell line, OHSU-974 (Fanconi Anemia Research Fund), was cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 20% FBS and antibiotics. At near confluence, cells were treated in triplicate with various concentrations of NM: 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 μg/ml. Cells were also treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay, the secretion of MMPs by gelatinase zymo graphy, cell invasion through Matrigel, cell migration by a scratch test and morphology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In vivo, athymic male nude mice (n=12) were inoculated with 3×10⁶ OHSU-974 cells subcutaneously and randomly divided into 2 groups: group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 1% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histological analysis. NM inhibited the growth of OHSU-974 tumors by 47% and tumor burden by 50%. At lower concentrations, NM demonstrated no effect on proliferation, but at 1,000 μg/ml a 40% toxicity was observed. Zymography revealed the MMP-2 and PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion. NM suppressed the secretion of both MMPs in a dose-dependent manner, with a virtual inhibition at 500 μg/ml. NM inhibited OHSU-974 cell invasion through Matrigel in a dose-dependent manner with a complete block at 1,000 μg/ml. H&E staining showed no morphological changes below 500 μg/ml. These results suggest that NM has potential therapeutic use in the treatment of human FA HNSCC.

Modulation of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human female cancer cell lines

Cancers of the breast, cervix, uterus and ovary are the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide. Proteases play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of urokinase plasminogen activators (u-PA) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on the activity of u-PA, MMPs and TIMPs in human breast, cervix, uterine and ovarian cancer cell lines. Human breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), uterine (SK-UT-1) and ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cell lines were cultured in their respective media and treated at confluence with NM at 0, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. Both breast and uterine cancer cell lines expressed u-PA, which was inhibited by NM in a dose-dependent manner. However, no bands corresponding to u-PA were detected for HeLa and SK-OV-3 cell lines. On gelatinase zymography, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 showed one band corresponding to MMP-9, HeLa showed two bands, an intense band corresponding to MMP-2 and a faint band corresponding to MMP-9, SK-UT-1 showed PMA-induced MMP-9, and SK-OV-3 showed a band corresponding to MMP-2. NM inhibited their expression in all cell lines. The activity of TIMPs was upregulated in all cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between u-PA and MMPs and a negative correlation between u-PA/MMPs and TIMPs. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of NM in the treatment of female cancers.

Abstract 2348: Suppression of metastasis of intratesticular inoculation of B16FO melanoma cells by a novel nutrient mixture in male athymic nude mice

Testicular cancer (TC) is rare, but still represents one of the most common diseases in young men between the ages of 20-45. However, men of any age can develop this disease. The incidence in Caucasians is greater than in African Americans. Risk factors include undescended testis, Klinefelter syndrome, and HIV positive patients. If left untreated, it is almost certainly fatal. Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death. The most common place for TC to spread in the body is to the lung. In this investigation, we studied the effect of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, amino acids and green tea extract that has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer activity, on inhibition of B16FO melanoma cells inoculated intratesticularly. Male athymic mice (n=12), 10-12 weeks of age, were inoculated with half a million B16FO melanoma cells in 100 µL of PBS into the right testis; the left testis was left untreated. After inoculation, the mice were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=6) was fed a regular mouse chow diet, while the mice in Group B (n=6) were fed the same diet but supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later the mice were sacrificed and the abdominal cavity was opened. Mice in the control group (Group A) exhibited extensive metastasis in the peritoneal cavity, which was totally masked by B16FO melanoma cells. The testis was severely enlarged and replaced by invading malignant melanoma cells. The remaining testicular tissue was represented by necrotic seminiferous tubules. The capsular region of the testis was severely infiltrated with a population of mixed cells. In contrast, in the NM fed group (Group B), there was no evidence of peritoneal metastasis, but the testes were enlarged. Seminiferous tubules in the area of invasion showed evidence of degeneration. In all groups, there was no metastasis to liver, kidney and spleen. However, severe lung metastasis was observed in the control group (2 out of 6) and mild in the test group (2 out of 6). In conclusion, these results suggest that NM has potential to suppress tumor metastasis.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2348. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2348

Micronutrient Synergy in the Fight against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), once thought to be a rare tumor in North America, has rapidly increased in recent years in the United States. Current treatment modalities to halt the progression of this disease are only marginally effective. The mainstay treatment is liver transplantation, which is often confronted with donor shortage. Invasion, metastasis and recurrence contribute to the high mortality rate of this disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) have been associated with the progression, invasion and metastasis of the disease. We have developed strategies to strengthen the ECM collagen and inhibit MMPs through micronutrients such as lysine, proline and ascorbic acid. Addition of epigallocatechin gallate or green tea extract to these micronutrients synergistically enhanced anti-carcinogenic activity in HepG2 cells. Addition of certain other micronutrients, such as N-acetylcysteine, selenium, copper and zinc (NM) synergistically enhanced the anticancer activity of the mixture in a model of hepatocellular carcinoma using HepG2 cells. In vitro studies using HepG2 demonstrated that NM was very effective in inhibiting cell proliferation (by MTT assay), MMPs secretion (by gelatinase zymography), cell invasion (through Matrigel) and induction of apoptosis (by live green caspase). In addition, NM was shown to down-regulate urokinase plasminogen activator (by fibrin zymography) and up-regulate tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (by reverse zymography) in another HCC cell line, SK-Hep-1. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were further modulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induction and inhibited by NM. In previous studies, NM inhibited Sk-Hep-1 xenografts in nude mice and also inhibited hepatic metastasis of B16FO melanoma cells. Our results suggest that NM is an excellent candidate for therapeutic use in the treatment HCC by inhibiting critical parameters in cancer development and progression, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis, and by inducing apoptosis.

Ascorbate depletion increases growth and metastasis of melanoma cells in vitamin C deficient mice

AIM

Our main objective was to determine the effect of ascorbate supplementation in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid (gulo KO) when challenged with murine B16FO cancer cells.

METHODS

Gulo KO female mice 36-40 weeks of age were deprived of or maintained on ascorbate in food and water for 4 weeks prior to subcutaneous injection of 2.5×10(6) B16FO murine melanoma cells in the right flank of mice. A control group of wild type mice were also injected with the melanoma cells and maintained on a regular murine diet. Mice were continued on their respective diets for another 2 weeks after injection. The mice were then sacrificed, blood was drawn and their tumors were measured, excised and processed for histology.

RESULTS

Mean weight of animals decreased significantly (30%, p < 0.0001) in the ascorbate-restricted group but increased slightly, but insignificantly, in the ascorbate-supplemented group. The mean tumor weight in ascorbate supplemented mice was significantly reduced (by 64%, p = 0.004) compared to tumor weight in ascorbate-deprived gulo mice. The mean tumor weight of wild type mice did not differ significantly from the ascorbate-supplemented mice. Gulo KO mice supplemented with ascorbate developed smaller tumors with more collagen encapsulation and fibrous capsule interdigitation, while gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate hosted large tumors with poorly defined borders, showing more necrosis and mitosis. Ascorbate supplementation of gulo KO mice resulted in profoundly decreased serum inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (90% decrease, p = 0.04) and IL-1β (62% decrease) compared to the levels in gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate.

CONCLUSION

Ascorbate supplementation modulated tumor growth and inflammatory cytokine secretion as well as enhanced encapsulation of tumors in scorbutic mice.

Nutrient mixture inhibits in vitro and in vivo growth of human acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells

AIM

Untreated acute promyelocytic leukemia is the most malignant form of acute leukemias, with median survival of less than one month. We investigated in vitro and in vivo synergistic effects of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract, on acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells.

METHODS

In vitro, the HL-60 cells were cultured and exposed to NM at doses 0-1000 μg/ml. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan blue dye exclusion test, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) expression by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel and apoptosis by live green Poly Caspase Detection Kit. In vivo studies were carried out in athymic nude mice subcutaneously inoculated with HL-60 cells.

RESULTS

In vitro, NM exhibited a dose dependent reduction in cells viability. Zymography revealed matrix MMP-2 and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced MMP-9 expression. NM inhibited expression of both MMP in a dose dependent manner. Similar step-wise reduction in the Matrigel invasion by HL-60 cells was also observed by this combination with incremental doses. Gradually increasing doses of NM induced significant apoptosis in HL-60 cells. In vivo, NM inhibited tumor growth by 50%.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that NM significantly suppresses tumor growth, decreases cell viability, inhibits MMP expression, Matrigel invasion and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Anticancer effects of a specific mixture of nutrients in the multidrug-resistant human uterine sarcoma MES-SA/Dx5 and the drug-sensitive MES-SA cell lines

A specific nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract has demonstrated a broad spectrum of antitumor activity against a number of cancer cell lines. In this study, our main objective was to investigate the comparative effects of NM on anticancer parameters, such as cytotoxicity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion and Matrigel invasion in the human uterine sarcoma drug-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 and the drug-sensitive MES-SA cell lines. In addition we studied the effects of NM on P-glycoprotein (Pgp) on these cell lines. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMPs by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, morphology by H&E and Pgp expression by Western blot analysis and immunodetection using FITC-conjugated antibody and rhodamine 123 (Rh123) accumulation and efflux assays. NM exhibited antiproliferative effects on MES-SA/Dx5, by 20% at 50 and 100 µg/ml and by 36, 40 and 48% at 250, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml, respectively. By contrast, NM treatment of MES-SA cells resulted in significantly increased cytotoxicity: 40, 46, 65 and 72% at 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 µg/ml, respectively. In both cell lines, zymography demonstrated a band corresponding to MMP-2 in normal cells and MMP-9 with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment. The two MMPs showed dose-response inhibition by NM. As shown by Western blot analysis and immunodetection, NM treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in Pgp expression in the MES-SA/Dx5 cell line. The MES-SA cell line does not exhibit Pgp. NM enhanced the accumulation and efflux of the Pgp substrate, Rh123, in the MES-SA/Dx5 uterine sarcoma cell line but not in the drug-sensitive cell line, MES-SA. Therefore, it can be concluded that NM demonstrates potent anticancer effects in both the drug-resistant and sensitive cell lines and modulates Pgp, suggesting its potential therapeutic effects in drug-resistant as well as sensitive cancers.

Nutritional improvement of metabolic syndrome parameters in immature fructose-fed wild-type mice

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is on the increase worldwide, with both environmental and genetic factors implicated in its development. Diabetes is often preceded by metabolic syndrome (MS) and may develop in normal adults ingesting a high fructose diet. The effect of high fructose intake on the development of MS in children and adolescents is less clear. Our objective was to study the effects of a nutrient mixture and metformin (MET), a widely used oral diabetic medication, in modulating the physiological and biochemical parameters of a high fructose diet in immature mice. C57BL/6J wild‑type mice aged 7 weeks were administered 12% fructose in their water and MET in distilled water or a diabetic nutrient mix (DNM) over 7 weeks. DNM-fed mice showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and fructosamine compared to the fructose-fed only group (p<0.05). A discordant result was observed in the MET group, with a decrease in blood pressure but increases in total cholesterol and fructosamine (p<0.05). Serum glucose did not change significantly among the groups. Thus, symptoms of fructose-induced MS in young mice could be countered nutritionally. Additionally, MET may improve certain biochemical markers while worsening others.

In vivo and in vitro antitumor effects of nutrient mixture in murine leukemia cell line P-388

AIM

Leukemia is characterized by uncontrolled marrow cell proliferation and metastatic foci. We investigated the antitumor potential of a nutrient mixture on malignant leukemia P-388 cells.

METHODS

The nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, green tea extract and other nutrients is formulated to target key pathways in cancer progression. The cells were treated with the mixture, and tested at doses 0, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/ml in triplicates. The effects were evaluated by cell proliferation, Matrigel invasion, cell morphology and apoptosis. The in vivo effect was measured in male nude mice (n = 12) inoculated with P-388 cells. After randomly dividing in two groups, each group was fed regular and the nutrient mixture supplemented diet and the mice were sacrificed after four weeks.

RESULTS

The nutrient mixture decreased P-388 cell proliferation at 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Only 10% cells were viable at 1000 μg/ml. Matrigel invasion was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner with virtually total inhibition at 1000 μg/ml. Cell morphological features notably changed with dose increase to 1000 μg/ml. Analysis of apoptotic cells on live green caspase kit exhibited gradual increase with the increasing dose of the nutrient mixture, and at 1000 μg/ ml 92% of P-388 cells were in late apoptosis. Tumors in the group of mice supplemented with the nutrient mixture had 50% lower weight compared to the tumors in control group (p = 0.0105). Histopathologically, both the groups of tumors were similar, yet size of tumors in the group treated with the nutrient mixture was considerably smaller.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the nutrient mixture exhibited significant action against multiple targets in P-388 leukemia and may have potential in human leukemia.

Abstract 1503: Anticancer effects of a nutrient mixture in human melanoma cells A2058: Inhibition of cell proliferation, MMP expression, invasion and apoptosis

Introduction: Melanoma, an extremely aggressive cancer, causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths, secondary to metastasis to other organs of the body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain or bone. Currently, there are no viable treatments for melanoma. We investigated the effect of a specific mixture (PB) of quercetin, cruciferex, curcumin, green tea extract and resveratrol on human melanoma cell line A2058 for viability, MMP expression, invasion, apoptosis and cell morphology.

Materials and Methods: Melanoma cells A2058 (ATCC), were maintained in DMEM culture, supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics in 24-well tissue plates. At near confluence, cells were treated with PB at 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg/mL concentration in triplicate at each dose. Cells were also treated with PMA (100 ng/mL) for MMP-9 induction. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, MMPs by zymography, invasion through Matrigel, apoptosis using green caspase detection, and morphology by H&E staining.

Results: PB inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells A2058 by 45% at 10 mcg/mL and 80% at 25-100 mcg/mL concentration, and inhibited the secretion of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose dependent manner with total inhibition at 50 mcg/mL concentration. Invasion through Matrigel was inhibited by 65% at 10 mcg/mL and 100% at 25 mcg/mL, respectively. PB also induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. H&E staining showed slight morphological changes at higher concentrations.

Conclusions: In conclusion, PB significantly inhibited melanoma cell growth, invasion through Matrigel, MMP-2 and -9 expression and apoptosis, important parameters for cancer prevention, suggesting PB as a potential effective treatment of melanoma.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1503. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1503

Abstract 1500: A novel nutrient mixture exhibits antitumor activity in human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080

Introduction: Fibrosarcoma, an aggressive and highly metastatic cancer of connective tissue, is generally associated with poor prognosis. Cancer mortality usually results from tumor invasion of local tissue and metastasis to vital organs. We investigated the effect of a specific nutrient mixture (PB) of quercetin, cruciferex, curcumin, green tea extract and resveratrol on human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 for viability, MMP expression, invasion, apoptosis and morphology.

Material and Methods: Human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 (ATCC) was cultured in DEM media, supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics in 24-well tissue plates. At near confluence, cells were treated with PB at 0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg/mL, in triplicate at each dose. Cells were also treated with PMA (100 ng/mL) for MMP-9 induction. Cell proliferation was assayed by MTT assay, MMP by zymography, invasion through Matrigel, apoptosis using green caspase detection, and morphology by H&E staining.

Results: PB inhibited proliferation of human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080 by 50% at 10 mcg/mL, 60% at 25 mcg/mL and 80% at 50-100 mcg/mL, and inhibited the secretion of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner, with total inhibition at 50 mcg/mL concentration. Invasion through Matrigel was inhibited 100% at 25 mcg/mL PB. PB also induced apoptosis in a dose- dependent fashion. H&E staining showed slight morphological changes at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: These results suggest that PB is a potential therapeutic agent for fibrosarcoma, with potent anti-metastatic activity, because it inhibited fibrosarcoma cell proliferation, MMP-2 and -9 expression, invasion through Matrigel and apoptosis, important parameters for cancer prevention.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1500. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1500

Micronutrient synergy--a new tool in effective control of metastasis and other key mechanisms of cancer

Consumption of a plant-based diet has been associated with prevention of the development and progression of cancer. We have developed strategies to inhibit cancer development and its spread by targeting common mechanisms used by all types of cancer cells that decrease stability and integrity of connective tissue. Strengthening of collagen and connective tissue can be achieved naturally through the synergistic effects of selected nutrients, such as lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract (NM). This micronutrient mixture has exhibited a potent anticancer activity in vivo and in vitro in a few dozen cancer cell lines. Its anti-cancer effects include inhibition of metastasis, tumor growth, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell growth as well as induction of apoptosis. Many cancers are often diagnosed at later stages, when metastasis has occurred, which standard treatment has been unable to control. Our studies on NM effects on hepatic and pulmonary metastasis demonstrated profound, significant suppression of metastasis in a murine model. Evaluation of effects of NM on xenografts in murine models demonstrated significant reduction in tumor size and tumor burden in all human cancer cell lines tested. In vitro studies demonstrated that NM was very effective in inhibition of cell proliferation (by MTT assay), MMP secretion (by gelatinase zymography), cell invasion (through Matrigel), cell migration (by scratch test), induction of apoptosis (by live green caspase) and induction of pro-apoptotic genes in many diverse cancer cell lines. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro studies of effects of individual micronutrients compared to their specific combination demonstrated synergistic effects resulting in improved anticancer potency.

Inhibition of invasion and MMPs by a nutrient mixture in human cancer cell lines: a correlation study

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretion is elevated in various human cancers and their elevated expression has been associated with poor prognosis due to associated increased cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

AIM

To examine the correlation between in vitro MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion and Matrigel invasion in 42 different human cancer cell lines (selected on the basis of organ malignancies) treated with a nutrient mixture (NM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cells were cultured in their recommended media supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with NM dissolved in media at 0, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 μg/mL in triplicate. Parallel sets of cultures were also treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) 100 ng/mL for induction of enzymes. After 24 h the media were collected and MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were assayed by gelatinase zymography. Invasion studies were conducted using Matrigel in 24-well plates.

RESULTS

Correlation of pooled data from different cancer cell line groups demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-2 and -9 and Matrigel invasion with NM treatment and significant negative correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and Matrigel invasion. Pooled data of cell lines expressing only MMP-2 and resistance to PMA induction of MMP-9 showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.77, p = 0.003) between MMP-2 secretion and inhibition of invasion through Matrigel. Cell lines expressing only MMP-9, showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.726, p = 0.003) between MMP-9 secretion and Matrigel invasion. Pooled data of cell lines expressing MMP-2 and MMP-9 demonstrated significant negative correlation (r = -0.821, p < 0.0001) between MMP-9 secretion and inhibition of invasion through Matrigel. Pooled data of cancer cell lines expressing no basal MMP- 9 secretion demonstrated significant negative correlation (r = -0.686, p < 0.0001) between PMA-induced MMP-9 secretion and inhibition of invasion through Matrigel.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, regardless of MMP-2 and MMP-9 patterns of expression, MMP modulation by NM was found to be significantly correlated with NM modulation of Matrigel invasion of these cell lines.

Comparative effects of EGCG, green tea and a nutrient mixture on the patterns of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in cancer cell lines

Type IV collagenase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been found to promote invasion and metastasis of malignant tumors. Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by MMPs and increased expression of MMPs in cancer cells and tumor microvascular endothelial cells make MMPs an attractive target for cancer. Focused on a common pathomechanism of cancer growth and invasion, the disintegration of connective tissue, we used natural approaches to increase the integrity and strength of connective tissues. Utilizing the principle of nutrition synergy, we developed a novel micronutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract. This study evaluates the potency of the components EGCG and green tea extract independently compared to that of NM on modulation of patterns of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in four cancer cell lines expressing MMP-2, MMP-9 or both. Human fibrosarcoma (HT-1080), hepatocellular carcinoma (SK-Hep-1), glioblastoma (T-98G), uterine leiomyosarcoma (SK-UT-1) cell lines were obtained from ATCC and grown in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% FBS, penicillin (100 U/ml) and streptomycin (100 mg/ml) in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with agents dissolved in media and tested at concentrations indicated in triplicate at each dose. Cells were also treated with PMA 100 ng/ml to study enhanced expression of MMP-9. MMP expression was assessed by gelatinase zymography. Fibrosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells expressed both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Glioblastoma cells expressed MMP-2 and PMA treatment induced MMP-9 expression. Uterine leimyosarcoma cells expressed no MMPs but PMA induced MMP-9. NM was the most potent dose-dependent inhibitor of MMPs, followed by green tea extract and EGCG. In conclusion, these results suggest the enhanced efficacy of nutrients working in synergy to modulate complex pathways such as MMP expression.

In vivo and In vitro effect of a nutrient mixture on human hepatocarcinoma cell line SK-HEP-1

Long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common cancer worldwide, remains poor, due to metastasis and recurrence.

AIM

To investigate the effect of a novel nutrient mixture (NM) containing ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, and green tea extract on human HCC cell line Sk-Hep-1 In vivo and In vitro.

METHODS

After one week of isolation, 5-6 week old male athymic nude mice were inoculated with 3 x 10(6) SK-Hep-1 cells subcutaneously and randomly divided into two groups; group A was fed a regular diet and group B a regular diet supplemented with 0.5% NM. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed and their tumors were excised, weighed and processed for histology. We also tested the effect of NM In vitro on SK-Hep-1 cells, measuring cell proliferation by MTT assay, invasion through Matrigel, apoptosis by green caspase detection kit, MMP secretion by zymography, and morphology by H&E staining.

RESULTS

NM inhibited tumor weight and burden of SK-Hep-1 xenografts by 42% and 33% respectively. In vitro , NM exhibited 33% toxicity over the control at 500 and 1,000 microg/ml concentration. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion which was inhibited by NM in a dose dependent fashion, with virtual total inhibition at 1000 microg/ml. Invasion through Matrigel was inhibited at 100, 500 and 1,000 microg/ml by 53%, 83% and 100% respectively. NM induced slight apoptosis at 100 microg/ml, and profound apoptosis at 500 microg/ml and 1000 microg/ml concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NM has therapeutic potential in treatment of HCC.