Nutrient Synergy Counteracts Carcinogenic Activity of Estrogen in Cultured Human Cancer Cells (2003)

Ivanov V, Roomi MW, Niedzwiecki A, Rath M.

Presented at: American College of Nutrition
Nashville, Tennessee, October 9-12, 2003

Abstract

Introduction:
Hormone-replacement therapy can increase risk of tumor development in estrogen-sensitive tissues in menopausal women.

Objective:
In this study we tested whether Nutrient Synergy (NS), a specific mixture of ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, arginine, cysteine and green tea extract, can counteract the carcinogenic effects of 17-beta estradiol, an active metabolite of human estrogen.

Methods:
Human breast cancer MCF-7 and prostate cancer LNCap cells were tested for cell growth by DNA synthesis assay. Invasiveness was assayed by cell penetration through Matrigel-covered membrane. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was assayed by zymography. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion was measured by ELISA.

Results:
Estradiol stimulated cell growth and invasion of MCF-7 in dose-dependent manner. These stimulating effects were completely abolished by addition of 100 µg/ml NS. Inhibition of cell invasion by NS was supported by significant decrease in MMP-9 expression. Estradiol stimulated LNCap cell proliferation. NS attenuated this stimulation. Addition of estradiol to MCF-7 cells significantly increased VEGF secretion, which was blocked by Nutrient Synergy.

Conclusions:
Thus, in the experimental model of human estrogen-sensitive cancer tissue, Nutrient Synergy demonstrated a strong potential to inhibit pro-carcinogenic effects of estradiol, which are directly related to tumor growth, neovascularization and metastasis formation.