Antiproliferative effect of the garlic compound S-allyl cysteine on human neuroblastoma cells in vitro.
A variety of compounds derived from garlic bulbs have been shown in animal systems to possess anticancer properties. However, little information is available regarding the effectiveness of garlic in the prevention or treatment of human cancers. In the current study, we have assessed the ability of S-allyl cysteine (SAC), a derivative of aged garlic extract, to affect the proliferation and differentiation of LA-N-5 human neuroblastoma cells in vitro. Time-and dose-dependent inhibition of cell grow was observed in cultures treated with SAC for at least 2 days, with a half-maximal response at approximately 600 micrograms/ml. SAC treatment was unable to induce differentiation in neuroblastoma cells as assessed by morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. In addition, SAC was unable to potentiate the effects of retinoic acid and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, agents known to promote differentiation of LA-N-5 cells. Our results indicate that SAC can inhibit human neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro. However, the apparent inability of this compound to induce differentiation may limit its therapeutic potential.
Welch
C
C
Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), UCLA School of Medicine 90024.
Wuarin
L
L
Sidell
N
N
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000494:pharmacology; D003545:Cysteine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005737:Garlic; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D016259:Genes, myc; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009447:Neuroblastoma; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects*; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014212:Tretinoin; C065299:S-allylcysteine; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase; D003545:Cysteine