Effect of dicarboxylic (C6 and C9) acids on a human squamous carcinoma cell line in culture

• Published in: Histology and histopathology Vol. 4; no. 2; p. 167
• Main Authors: Pätzold, H C, Breathnach, A S, Robins, E J, Daridan, M E, Bhasin, Y P, Ethridge, L B, Nazzaro-Porro, M, Passi, S, Picardo, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Spain 01.04.1989
• Subjects: Adipates - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - ultrastructure; Cell Division - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Dicarboxylic Acids - pharmacology; Humans; Microscopy, Electron; Mitochondrial Swelling - drug effects; Tumor Cells, Cultured
• ISSN: 0213-3911

In tissue culture, azelaic acid (C9) has been shown to have an anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effect on human and murine malignant melanocytes, with inhibition of mitochondrial oxido-reductase enzymes and DNA synthesis, and damage to mitochondria. Recent reports of effects on differentiation of normal keratocytes have led to the present study of its effects on a squamous carcinoma cell line. Cells were exposed to single doses of disodium salts of azelaic (C9(2)Na) and adipic (C6(2)Na) acids at concentrations of 10(-2)M and 5 x 10(-2)M for 48 hrs. Only C9(2)Na at 5 x 10(-2) M for 4 hrs., and longer, significantly affected proliferation, and the cells exhibited massive swelling of mitochondria with loss of cristae. The results further confirm the probable value of azelaic acid as a general anti-tumoral agent rather than a specifically melanocytotoxic one. They could justify clinical studies on the effect of topical azelaic acid therapy on squamous cell carcinoma in vivo.