Mimosine, a plant-derived amino acid induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer xenografts.

Abstract

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.

MATERIALS AND 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).

CONCLUSION:

This is the first evidence that mimosine exerts an apoptotic activity in xenotransplanted human pancreatic cancer and suppresses its growth.

• Authors: Attila Zalatnai, Jozsef Bocsi
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2003 Sep-Oct Vol. 23 Issue 5A Pg. 4007-9 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 14666710 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Mimosine

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (pharmacology)
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Flow Cytometry
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Mice
• Mimosine (pharmacology)
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays