vitamin-k-1 and Stomach-Neoplasms

Gastric and colon cancers remain the leading cause of cancer mortality throughout the world. Since the gastrointestinal tract works in a constant link with the external environment, chemoprevention by dietary constituents could represent a possible approach to reduce cancer risk. Dietary vitamin K1 (VK1) has been shown to prevent the growth of many types of cancer cells. However, no data are available on possible different susceptibility to VK1 by gastric or colon neoplastic cell lines. Moreover, the exact mechanism of action of VK1 is still object of investigation, even if it has been reported that VK1 may induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Therefore, molecules affecting cell growth such as the natural polyamines could be of interest in VK1 action. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of increasing concentrations of VK1 (from 10 to 200 µM) administered up to 72 h, on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of a gastric (HGC-27) and a colon (SW480) cancer cell line. Additionally, the polyamine biosynthesis and the MAPK pathway were also examined. VK1 treatments caused an inhibition of cell proliferation and an induction of apoptosis in both cell lines, with a concomitant significant decrease of the polyamine biosynthesis, increased phospho-ERK 1/2 expression was also observed. A different proliferative behavior and a different response to VK1 by gastric and colon cancer cells was evident, with colon cells showing a more pronounced susceptibility to VK1 action. VK1 is safe and without known toxicities in adult humans, consequently it could be effective in prevention and treatment of selected gastrointestinal neoplasms. Protocols based on the use of VK1, along with polyamine inhibitors and/or analogues, could represent a suitable alternative option for improving the efficacy of chemoprevention and treatment in future strategies for gastrointestinal cancer management.

Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Colonic Neoplasms; Dietary Supplements; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Phosphorylation; Polyamines; Stomach Neoplasms; Vitamin K 1