title: The in vitro antitumor activity of vitamins C and K3 against ovarian carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and mechanism of action of vitamins C (VC) and K3 (VK3) on ovarian carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytotoxicity assays were performed on ovarian cancer cell lines with VC, VK3 or a VC/VK3 combination. FIC index was employed to evaluate synergism. Flow cytometry was accomplished at 90% cytotoxic doses. Light, transmission electron microscopy and DNA isolation were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antitumor activity was exhibited by both VC, VK3 and VC/VK3. VC/VK3 demonstrated synergistic activity. VC/VK3 may induce a G1 block in the cell cycle. Combined vitamin treatment resulted in cells that maintain apparently intact nuclei while extruding pieces of organelle-free cytoplasm. Degradation of chromosomal DNA was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cell death (autoschizis) displayed characteristics of both apoptosis and necrosis. The cytotoxic effects observed may enable vitamins C and K3 to play an adjuvant role in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SUMMA Health System, 525 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44309, USA. vivian.vongruenigen@uhhs.com
authors.forename: Vivian E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: von Gruenigen
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jamison
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gilloteaux
authors.forename: Heather E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Lorimer
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Summers
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Pollard
authors.forename: Carley A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gwin
authors.forename: Jack L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Summers
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D024483:Vitamin K 3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D024483:Vitamin K 3; D001205:Ascorbic Acid