Mimosine, a plant-derived amino acid induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer xenografts.
BACKGROUND
Several studies have indicated that mimosine, a plant amino acid, is a potential inhibitor of the cell cycle giving rise to growth arrest in G1-phase. These results were mainly derived from in vitro investigations. To date only one paper is available about its applicability in xenografted lung tumor. This study revealed a tumor growth suppression and an increased apoptotic index. Our experiment was aimed at investigating the influence of mimosine in human pancreatic cancer.


METHODS
Subcutaneously growing human pancreatic cancer xenografts in immunosuppressed mice were treated with 30 mg/kg b.w. mimosine for 34 days and the apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Mimosine treatment resulted in a significant tumor growth suppression and the sub-G1 fraction was doubled (10.82 +/- 1.18% vs. 4.65 +/- 1.65 % in controls, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first evidence that mimosine exerts an apoptotic activity in xenotransplanted human pancreatic cancer and suppresses its growth.
Zalatnai
Attila
A
First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, H-1085 Budapest, Ulloi ut 26, Hungary. zalatnai@korb1.sote.hu
Bocsi
Jozsef
J
D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D051379:Mice; D008898:Mimosine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D008898:Mimosine