Background/aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is strongly associated with altered cadherin adhesion molecules. Oxaliplatin is a standard treatment for CRC, yet high-doses have concerning side effects. In this study, the effects of oxaliplatin and the combination of oxaliplatin with vitamin C on HCT-116 CRC cell migration and invasion were studied through the roles of cellular oxidative stress associated with cadherin molecules.
Materials and methods: The cellular assays used in this research were MTT, DCFH-DA, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Cancer progression was examined using wound healing and Boyden chamber techniques.
Results: The results indicate that hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular oxidative stress induced cancer cell migration and invasion. The combined treatment of oxaliplatin with a pro-oxidant concentration of vitamin C resulted in higher toxicity than treatment with oxaliplatin alone. However, treatment with the combination of oxaliplatin and antioxidant concentrations of vitamin C suppressed cancer migration and invasion. Furthermore, the combination treatment increased E-cadherin expression, whereas decreased that of N-cadherin.
Conclusion: Treatment with the combination of oxaliplatin with vitamin C can inhibit CRC cell growth and decrease cancer cell migration and invasion, via oxidative stress and cadherins.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; cadherins; oxaliplatin; oxidative stress; vitamin C.
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