In vitro effects of keyhole limpet hemocyanin in breast and pancreatic cancer in regards to cell growth, cytokine production, and apoptosis.
BACKGROUND
We have previously shown the inhibitory effects of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) against breast and pancreatic cancer in vitro. We hypothesize that its actions in breast and pancreas cancer cells are via apoptotic or cytokine pathways.


METHODS
Two breast cancer cell lines, ZR75-1 and MCF-7, and one pancreas cancer cell line, PANC-1, were treated with KLH at 500 mug, 250 mug, and 250 ng/mL. Cell viability, cytokine production, and apoptosis were measured.


RESULTS
Significant growth inhibition was observed in all cell lines at all KLH concentrations tested. Significant changes in cytokine production were observed in all cell lines. An increase in early and late apoptotic activity was observed in the MCF-7, whereas a reduction in late apoptotic activity was observed in the ZR75-1 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
KLH directly inhibits the growth of human breast and pancreas cancer in vitro by apoptotic and nonapoptotic mechanisms.
Riggs
Dale R
DR
Department of Surgery, Robert C. Byrd Health Science Center, PO Box 9238, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
Jackson
Barbara J
BJ
Vona-Davis
Linda
L
Nigam
Ankesh
A
McFadden
David W
DW
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005260:Female; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D006433:Hemocyanins; C032808:keyhole-limpet hemocyanin