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Curcumin may inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells by inducing cellular starvation
Ayako Furukawa1, Akari Ishisaka1, Akira Murakami1
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Hyogo, Japan.
Abstract:
We showed that several phytochemicals, but not nutrients, significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Curcumin, one of the active compounds, markedly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells, which was exaggerated in low-glucose media and lipase-downregulated cells as well. In addition, curcumin significantly induced lipolysis. Collectively, curcumin may inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing energy starvation.
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