Effects of D-methionine-containing solution on tumor cell growth in vitro

The effects of a nutrition therapy with D-methionine (Met)-containing solut ion were investigated in cell cultures of the AH109A cell line. The growth of AH109A hepatoma cells in culture media with D-Met-supplemented medium, L -Met-supplemented medium (control) and Met-free medium was compared. The D- Met-supplemented medium inhibited the cell growth to an extent similar to t hat manifested in the Met-free medium. The total free amino acid concentrat ions in the control medium decreased by approximately 40 % on day 6 post-cu lture. However, the free amino acid concentrations in D-Met-supplemented an d Met-free media did not change. Furthermore, alanine, which was not added to RPMI-1640, was detected in the control medium on day 6 post-culture. The se results suggest the possibility of application of D-Met-containing solut ion to cancer patients receiving total parenteral nutrition.