The Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Chemosensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells in an in vitro Model
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.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a thesis, done in cell cultures (in vitro), not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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