Vitamin C inhibits DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in epithelial neoplastic cells.
Radioactivity measurements and autoradiographic studies of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis using [3H]-thymidine, [3H]-uridine and [3H]-leucine revealed that Vitamin C administration significantly (by 50%) decreases the DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in the neoplastic cells of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in mice and rats. Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were induced by a topical application of a chemical carcinogen, 3-methylcholanthrene. The inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis is accompanied by advanced ultrastructural and cell surface changes. Since the concentrations of Vitamin C were significantly higher in the plasma of Vitamin C-treated as compared to that of non Vitamin C-treated animals, these findings demonstrate that Vitamin C inhibits DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in neoplastic epithelial cells, and thus exerts its antineoplastic effect.
Lupulescu
A
A
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008748:Methylcholanthrene; D051379:Mice; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012313:RNA / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; D008748:Methylcholanthrene; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D001205:Ascorbic Acid