The in vitro antitumor activity of vitamins C and K-3 against ovarian carcinoma

The in vitro antitumor activity of vitamins C and K-3 against ovarian carcinoma

Von Gruenigen V E; Jamison J M; Gilloteaux J; Lorimer H E; Summers M; Pollard R R; Gwin C A; Summers J L

Anticancer Research

2003

2003-07

Background: The objective was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and mechanism of action of vitamins C (VC) and K-3 (VK3) on ovarian carcinoma. Materials and 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 G(1) 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. Conclusion: Cell death (autoschizis) displayed characteristics of both apoptosis and necrosis. The cytotoxic effects observed may enable vitamins C and K-3 to play an adjuvant role in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

alternative medicine use; aspects; autoschizis; cancer-chemotherapy; cell-lines; double-blind; k-3 combinations; mitomycin-c; Oncology; ovarian-cancer; phase-ii trial; pretreatment; tumor; ultrastructural; vitamin C; vitamin K-3

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Journal Article

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3279-3287

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