Effects of glutamine on tumor growth and apoptosis of hepatoma cells

AIM: To explore the effects of glutamine on growth and apoptosis of hepatom a cells. METHODS: Mice inoculated with hepatoma cell (H22) suspension subcu taneously at right axilla were orally administered with glutamine ( GLN) so lution. Human hepatoma cell culture (SMMC-7721) was treated with different concentrations of GLN solution. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and ni tric oxide (NO) was detected in mice plasma and cell culture, and that of g lutathione (GSH) was decected in cells. The inoculated tumor's growth in th e mice and hepatoma cells' proliferation and apoptosis were observed. RESUL TS: When mice were administered orally with GLN solution (300 mg/kg), the g rowth of inoculated hepatoma was suppressed in the mice. When different con centrations of GLN solution were added in human hepatoma cell culture, the hepatoma cells' proliferation was inhibited and cells were induced to apopt osis, which was dependent on GLN concentration; meanwhile the contents of N O rose both in mice plasma and in cell culture, however MDA contents were s lightly lowered in both, and the activity of GSH increased in the cells whi ch had been ultrasonically shattered. CONCLUSION: Hepatoma cell apoptosis a nd tumor growth inhibition by GLN may be associated with its antioxidative activity and its intervention in hepatoma cell proliferation, and simultane ous release of NO.