Marked Inhibition of Cellular Proliferation in the Normal Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells and Human Esophageal Squamous Cancer Cells in Culture by Carotenoids: Role for Prevention and Early Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Globally Esophageal cancer is a common cancer arising from human esophageal mucosal tissue.<br />Epidemiological studies suggest inverse correlation between carotenoid intake and incident risk of this devastating<br />malignancy. Methods: In an effort to examine the modulatory role of carotenoids in human esophageal carcinogenesis<br />at a cellular level, we examined the effects of α-carotene and β-carotenes, on cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in<br />human esophageal epithelial (HEE) cells and human esophageal squamous cancer (HESC) cells in in-vitro cultures.<br />HEE and HESC cells were incubated with different concentrations of α- and β-carotenes both individually and in<br />combination. Results: Both Carotenes significantly inhibited (p<0.05) cellular proliferation and decreased DNA<br />synthesis in HEE and HESC cells. The effect of α- and β-carotene together on DNA synthesis in HEE and HESC cells<br />was significantly greater than either carotenoid alone, suggesting a synergistic effect. Greater magnitude of cellular<br />inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed on HEE cells than HESC cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a<br />combination of α-and β-carotene may provide a novel strategy for prevention and treatment of esophageal and upper<br />aero digestive tract cancer in humans.