Non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas modulate cell cycle‐related gene expressions in melanocytic tumors of RET‐transgenic mice

Abstract

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing at a greater rate than that of any other cancer in the world. However, an effective therapy for malignant melanoma has not been established. Recently, some studies have shown an antitumor effect of non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas (NEAPPs) in vitro. Here, we examined the in vivo effect of NEAPP on cell cycle regulators, key elements for malignant transformation, in spontaneously developed benign melanocytic tumors in a hairless animal model. NEAPP irradiation decreased expression levels of cell cycle promoters, Cyclin D1, E1 and E2, and increased expression level of a cell cycle repressor, p27 KIP1 .Cyclin D1, E1 and E2 and p27 KIP expression levels were associated with malignant transformation of the benign tumor in the animal model. Our results suggest that NEAPP irradiation suppresses malignant transformation of a benign melanocytic tumor via control of the expression levels of cell cycle regulators.

Cold atmospheric plasma, a novel promising anti-cancer treatment modality

“…To date, several investigations have used CAP to treat subcutaneous xenograft tumors [20, 27, 30, 62, 87, 88] and melanoma in mice [89, 90]. All those studies achieved a similar result that the growth of tumor in vivo was significantly halted by the CAP treatment on the skin of mice.…”

Cold atmospheric plasma induces apoptosis of melanoma cells via Sestrin2‐mediated nitric oxide synthase signaling

“…For example, Yajima et al reported that non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma treatment reduced the growth of subsequent tumors in benign melanocytic nevi in vivo (HL‐RET‐mice). It was hypothesized that such an effect was related to reduced expression of cell cycle mediators (eg, cyclins D1, E1 and E2), as well as increased expression of the cell cycle suppressor protein, p27KIP1 . Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with well‐controlled temperatures below 40°C has recently been developed with the use of new sources .…”

Cell migration and adhesion of a human melanoma cell line is decreased by cold plasma treatment

“…apoptosis) in several tumor cells [17]. Applying plasmagenerated ROS, an induction of apoptosis was shown in melanocytic tumors in mice [18], in p53-mutated cancer cells [19], and in head and neck carcinoma in vivo [20] as well as in several other models [21]. Most studies have focused on tumor cell death after cold plasma treatment.…”