The Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Chemosensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells in an in vitro Model
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In North America, blood folate levels have dramatically increased due to mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification and widespread supplement use. Breast cancer patients report highest FA containing supplement use. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the cornerstone of breast cancer chemotherapy, mechanisms of action which are based in part on interruption of folate metabolism. Concerns have been raised whether increased folate status may interfere with 5-FU chemotherapy for breast cancer. This study investigated whether FA supplementation can affect chemosensitivity of human breast cancer cells to 5-FU in 3 distinct human breast cancer cell lines. FA supplementation significantly decreased 5-FU chemosensitivity in MDA-MB 231 cells, significantly increased 5-FU chemosensitivity in HCC1937 cells and induced an inverted U shape response in MCF-7 cells. Given the high FA intake in breast cancer patients, the results from this study are concerning and future studies are warranted to clarify the effect of FA supplementation on 5-FU chemosensitivity.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Eszter Pigott
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2908000585