Inhibition of Human Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis in Nude Mice by Oral Intake of Modified Citrus Pectin

Abstract

MCP, given orally, inhibits carbohydrate-mediated tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in vivo, presumably via its effects on galectin-3 function. These data stress the importance of dietary carbohydrate compounds as agents for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.

111In-Labeled Galectin-3–Targeting Peptide as a SPECT Agent for Imaging Breast Tumors

“…Inhibiting these steps could potentially modify metastasis-associated tumor cell adhesion and help control metastatic cancer spread. Numerous carbohydratebased antagonists that bind the CRD of galectin-3 have been developed and have shown promise in inhibiting galectin-3/ carbohydrate-mediated cancer cell adhesion in vitro and in animal models of cancer (16,23,25,26). We previously identified peptides from bacteriophage display selections that block galectin-3-mediated adhesion and TFA interaction (17).…”

“…Thus, studies have focused on the development of inhibitors of galectin-3-TFA interactions for use as antitumor agents. Most such inhibitors have consisted of carbohydrates that bind the CRD of galectin-3 (16). However, these compounds are, in general, not specific for galectin-3 in that they bind other galectin family members via conserved residues in the CRD.…”

Plant Pectin: A Potential Source for Cancer Suppression

“…The results showed only 50% of the rats that drank water with MCP (0.1% weight/volume) had any metastases, while 94% of the rats that drank plain water had cancer metastasize to their lungs. Similarly, several animal studies have found that MCP helps reduce the spread of not only prostate cancer but also breast, skin and liver cancer (Nangia-Makker et al, 2002;Platt and Raz, 1992;Liu et al, 2008). MCP was fed to mice with these types of cancer and the mice were found to have a much lower chance of the tumor spreading to the lungs.…”

Oligogalacturonic acid inhibit bone resorption and collagen degradation through its interaction with type I collagen

“…Pectin, a highly complex branched polysaccharides fiber, rich in galactoside residues, is also an important component of human diet. Modified pectins administered orally (16) or intravenously (17) have demonstrated a protective effect against cancer cells. However, the effect of such compounds on bone cells is not yet known.…”