In vitro effects of keyhole limpet hemocyanin in breast and pancreatic cancer in regards to cell growth, cytokine production, and apoptosis

Background We have previously shown the inhibitory effects of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) against breast and pancreatic cancer in vitro. We hypothesize that its actions in breast and pancreas cancer cells are via apoptotic or cytokine pathways. Methods Two breast cancer cell lines, ZR75-1 and MCF-7, and one pancreas cancer cell line, PANC-1, were treated with KLH at 500 μg, 250 μg, and 250 ng/mL. Cell viability, cytokine production, and apoptosis were measured. Results Significant growth inhibition was observed in all cell lines at all KLH concentrations tested. Significant changes in cytokine production were observed in all cell lines. An increase in early and late apoptotic activity was observed in the MCF-7, whereas a reduction in late apoptotic activity was observed in the ZR75-1 cells. Conclusions KLH directly inhibits the growth of human breast and pancreas cancer in vitro by apoptotic and nonapoptotic mechanisms.