The Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, Docosahexaenoic Acid and 5-Fluorouracil on Human Breast Cancer Cells

It is well documented that vitamin D and DHA have antiproliferative effects on a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. Studies have shown that a combination approach to cancer treatment is more effective than any one treatment administered alone. In this study, human mammary epithelial cells from the MCF-7 cell line were treated with 25 μM DHA, 1 μM calcitriol, and 15 μM 5-Fluorourocil alone and in multiple combinations for 72 hours. Both DHA and 5-Fluorouracil slowed growth significantly (p < 0.05). In contrast, vitamin D did not inhibit cell growth at 1 μM. The combination of vitamin D and DHA inhibited cell growth slightly more than DHA alone. Interestingly, DHA was just as effective as 5-Fluorouracil at inhibiting cell growth. These results suggest that DHA may be just as efficacious as 5-Fluorouracil in slowing breast cancer progression and therefore may suggest a dietary approach to breast cancer treatment with low toxicity.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nutrition

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Engelsen, Liv Astri

Contributors dc:contributor

• Susan Hawk
• Kelly Pritchett
• Virginia Bennett

• Science
• Nutrition
• Breast--Cancer
• Master of Science in Biology
• Life Sciences
• Molecular, Genetic, and Biochemical Nutrition

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/660

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-1676