Effect of Folate on the Efficacy and Toxicity of Cancer Chemotherapy
Abstract
The purpose of this research project is to understand better the effect of dietary folate levels on the cellular pharmacology and toxicology of chemotherapeutic agents. The scope of the research involves in vitro studies with cell lines and in vivo assessments in rats of folate-chemotherapeutic drug interactions. Studies at a molecular level led to a new model to explain the synergy between nutritional folate deficiency and alkylating agents. Our studies at a cellular level suggest that folate metabolism can modulate glutathione levels. This observation may explain at least in part why dietary folate levels influence the efficacy and toxicity of alkylating agents. Studies in rats confirm that dietary folate levels affect the toxicity of cyclophosphamide but there may be an optimal amount of dietary folate to reduce that toxicity. These in vivo studies also indicate that other aspects of diet are important in determining sensitivity to chemotherapy. Rats maintained on a cereal-based diet were much more resistant to the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide than rats eating a Purified Diet. Taken together, our studies suggest that dietary changes can have a profound and largely unappreciated effect on the outcome of cancer chemotherapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381230
Entities
People
- John Mccormack
- Richard F. Branda
Organizations
- University of Vermont