Antiproliferative effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract in urinary bladder carcinoma cell lines.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the antiproliferative potency of Viscum album extract (VA-E) in human bladder carcinoma cell lines with regard to its possible use for intravesical therapy of superficial bladder cancer.


METHODS
Proliferation (MTT-test or 3H-thymidine incorporation), necrotic disintegration (3H-thymidine release of prelabelled cells) and portions of apoptotic and/or necrotic cells (Annexin-V binding, propidium iodide (PI) labelling and DNA-fluorescence profiles by flow cytometry) were measured in four different human bladder carcinoma cell lines (T24, TCCSUP, J82 and UM-UC3) cultured in vitro.


RESULTS
Antiproliferative effects of VA-E were observed in the four bladder carcinoma cell lines tested. Metabolic activity could also be completely abrogated by short-time contact of the cells with VA-E. Apoptosis and necrosis, as underlying mechanisms of action, were differentially expressed by the different cell lines.


CONCLUSIONS
VA-E and cytotoxic proteins, i.e., mistletoe lectins (ML) and viscotoxins (VT), were able to block the growth of bladder carcinoma cells. Together with the immunomodulating properties of VA-E, the observed antiproliferative potency might give a rationale for the topical intravesical application of VA-E for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer.
Urech
Konrad
K
Hisai Research Institute, CH-4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland. urech@hiscia.ch
Buessing
Arndt
A
Thalmann
George
G
Schaefermeyer
Heinrich
H
Heusser
Peter
P
D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D019169:Jurkat Cells; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D028182:Viscum album / Q000737:chemistry*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts