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Oestradiol and tamoxifen inhibit murine Colon 38 cancer growth and increase the cytotoxic effect of fluorouracil
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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the direct effects of various concentrations of oestradiol and tamoxifen (10–4 to 10-12 M), applied alone or together with FU, on the growth of murine Colon 38 cancer in vitro as assessed by three colorimetric methods: Mosmann’s method, incorporation of BrdU into cell nuclei and the TUNEL method. At high concentrations oestradiol and tamoxifen decreased the cancer growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner (the Mosmann and BrdU methods) and at some concentrations augmented the cytotoxic action of FU (Mosmann’s method). Tamoxifen exerted a very early and potent inhibitory effect, inducing even total cancer growth inhibition at the concentration of 10–4 M (the Mosmann and BrdU methods). All the substances studied at different concentrations and at different incubation time points increased the apoptosis of tumour cells (the TUNEL method).
The results indicate that oestradiol and tamoxifen inhibit Colon 38 cancer growth and increase the cytotoxic effect of FU, which confirms the role of sex steroids in colon carcinogenesis and even suggests new therapeutic schemes.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2007; 58 (5): 426-434)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the direct effects of various concentrations of oestradiol and tamoxifen (10–4 to 10-12 M), applied alone or together with FU, on the growth of murine Colon 38 cancer in vitro as assessed by three colorimetric methods: Mosmann’s method, incorporation of BrdU into cell nuclei and the TUNEL method. At high concentrations oestradiol and tamoxifen decreased the cancer growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner (the Mosmann and BrdU methods) and at some concentrations augmented the cytotoxic action of FU (Mosmann’s method). Tamoxifen exerted a very early and potent inhibitory effect, inducing even total cancer growth inhibition at the concentration of 10–4 M (the Mosmann and BrdU methods). All the substances studied at different concentrations and at different incubation time points increased the apoptosis of tumour cells (the TUNEL method).
The results indicate that oestradiol and tamoxifen inhibit Colon 38 cancer growth and increase the cytotoxic effect of FU, which confirms the role of sex steroids in colon carcinogenesis and even suggests new therapeutic schemes.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2007; 58 (5): 426-434)
Keywords
oestradiol; tamoxifen; fluorouracil; proliferation; apoptosis; colon cancer
Title
Oestradiol and tamoxifen inhibit murine Colon 38 cancer growth and increase the cytotoxic effect of fluorouracil
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original paper
Pages
426-434
Published online
2007-10-16
Page views
575
Article views/downloads
1475
Bibliographic record
Endokrynol Pol 2007;58(5):426-434.
Keywords
oestradiol
tamoxifen
fluorouracil
proliferation
apoptosis
colon cancer
Authors
Ewelina Motylewska
Hanna Ławnicka
Gabriela Mełeń-Mucha