Moderate hyperglycemia suppresses melanoma metastasis to liver

The metastasis of various cancers is promoted by hyperglycemia. In contrast, melanoma and colorectal cancer seemed to be exceptional. We confirmed that the metastasis of melanoma B16-F10 could be suppressed by hyperglycemia. It was attractive from the prognostic point of view of the prevention of metastasis, though the problem of the risk of diabetes remained. Then, the effect of moderate hyperglycemic condition was investigated using a pre-diabetic model mouse (GKKO mouse). The metastasis of B16-F10 cells to liver was focused and the number and volume of metastatic colonies in liver were analyzed. The medians of the number of metastatic colonies in GKKO mice were 0.57-fold (P=0.06) compared to control mice. Analysis of macrophage markers revealed upregulation of CD86, a tumor-suppressive M1-type marker, and downregulation of CD206, a tumor-promotive M2-type marker. A tendency of upregulation of Cxcl10, a pro-inflammatory cytokine was also observed. Regarding cellular activities of B16-F10, migration activity and invasion activity were reduced by moderate hyperglycemia. In conclusion, metastasis of B16-F10 cells to liver could be suppressed by moderate hyperglycemia without the risk of diabetes. This information should contribute to dietary planning during prognosis.