The influence of dietary lectins on the cell proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines in vitro

BACKGROUND: Lectins, carbohydrate proteins, bind non-covalently to glycoconjugate of normal and malignant cells. If used in cell culture, they can influence cellular proliferation. In this study the in vitro effects of six dietary lectins on the cell proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell proliferation was assessed by a colorimetric XTT-based assay kit. Lectin binding was characterized by lectin histochemistry.

RESULTS: WGA considerably influenced the cell growth of all tested cell lines (MCF-7, T 47D, HBL 100, BT 20), whereas the effects of PHA-L, SBA and HPA were smaller, began at higher concentrations and were restricted to three cell lines (MCF-7, T 47D and HBL 100 for PHA-L; MCF-7, T 47D and BT 20 for SBA, respectively) and to one cell line (HBL 100 for HPA). STA and PNA had no effect at all.

CONCLUSION: The present data suggested that some dietary lectins can inhibit cell growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro. These findings would argue for a protective effect of these plant lectins for breast cancer.