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Journal of Ovarian Research

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

4-Methylumbelliferone inhibits ovarian cancer growth by suppressing thymidine phosphorylase expression

Authors: Ryosuke Tamura, Yoshihito Yokoyama, Hidemi Yoshida, Tadaatsu Imaizumi, Hideki Mizunuma

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU), a hyaluronan (HA) synthesis inhibitor, has antitumor activity in cancer cells. However, few studies have focused on its effects on ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4-MU on ovarian cancer and to elucidate its mechanism of action.

Methods

The HRA human ovarian serous adenocarcinoma cell line was used in this study. The effects of 4-MU on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by using in vitro assays as well as an in vivo rat peritoneal carcinomatosis model. The expression of HA synthase (HAS), CD44 HA receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) mRNA in HRA cells was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

4-MU administration inhibited the growth of peritoneal tumors and significantly prolonged survival. In vitro experiments showed that 4-MU inhibited HRA cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, while it did not affect HRA cell invasion and migration. 4-MU significantly decreased TP mRNA expression in HRA cells. On the other hand, since HAS2, CD44, and VEGF endogenous mRNA expression levels were very low in HRA cells, it was impossible to evaluate the effect of 4-MU treatment.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 4-MU exerts its antitumor effect on ovarian cancer through suppressing TP expression.

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Title: 4-Methylumbelliferone inhibits ovarian cancer growth by suppressing thymidine phosphorylase expression
Authors: Ryosuke Tamura
Yoshihito Yokoyama
Hidemi Yoshida
Tadaatsu Imaizumi
Hideki Mizunuma
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-014-0094-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

4-Methylumbelliferone inhibits ovarian cancer growth by suppressing thymidine phosphorylase expression

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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