Methylsulfonylmethane sensitizes endometrial cancer cells to doxorubicin

Background Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a commonly used diet supplement believed to decrease the inflammation in joints and fastens recovery in osteoarthritis, gastric mucosal injury, or obesity-related disorders. It was also suggested that MSM might play a beneficial role in cancer treatment. Purpose So far, the MSM might have a potentially beneficial effect in endometrial cancer (EC) treatment. Study design This study evaluated the effect and usefulness of MSM in combinatory therapy with known drug doxorubicin (DOX). Methods The effect of combinational treatment of MSM and DOX on the induction of apoptosis was evaluated in EC cell lines (ISHIKAWA, MFE-296, MFE-280). Results We observed that MSM itself induces apoptosis in EC cell lines, and pre-treatment with MSM for 24 h increases the sensitivity of EC cells to DOX-induced apoptosis and DNA damage and that effect might be regulated by p42/44 (Erk1/2) MAPK and Akt (protein kinase B). Conclusion These results for the first time show that MSM might act as a sensitizer of EC cells to known drugs, for which EC cells quickly acquire resistance.

Automated summary

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may have a beneficial effect in endometrial cancer treatment, increasing cell sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs by regulating specific protein kinase pathways.