Comparative Effects of Supplemental Folic Acid on Normal Versus Breast Cancer Growth Rate, Viability, and Morphology

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

SURC Ballroom B/C/D

Start Date

21-5-2015

End Date

21-5-2015

Keywords

Folic Acid, Breast Cancer, Growth Rate

Abstract

The Federal Drug Administration has mandated the fortification of the American food supply with folic acid to reduce neurological defects in unborn children. On the surface, this seems like a good idea, but recent research indicates that folic acid may unintentionally accelerate existing breast and other cancerous growth in a subset of the human population, potentially affecting cancer patients, survivors, and postmenopausal women. Preliminary research conducted to assess a possible relationship between folic acid concentration and human breast cancer growth was inconclusive due to not including normal cells as a comparison group in the initial study. We hypothesized that folic acid may have differential effects on normal and breast cancer cell growth rate, viability, and morphology. To emulate folic acid exposure nationally, including those individuals with pre-existing cancer, we conducted follow up experiments comparing folic acid effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer and CHO ovarian cell lines. Results showed a decrease in human breast cancer viability and growth rate as folic acid concentrations increased, while CHO cells viability and growth rate increased.

Poster Number

48

Faculty Mentor(s)

Ian Quitadamo

Department/Program

Nutrition, Exercise & Health Science

Additional Mentoring Department

Biological Sciences

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May 21st, 8:30 AM May 21st, 11:00 AM

Comparative Effects of Supplemental Folic Acid on Normal Versus Breast Cancer Growth Rate, Viability, and Morphology

SURC Ballroom B/C/D

The Federal Drug Administration has mandated the fortification of the American food supply with folic acid to reduce neurological defects in unborn children. On the surface, this seems like a good idea, but recent research indicates that folic acid may unintentionally accelerate existing breast and other cancerous growth in a subset of the human population, potentially affecting cancer patients, survivors, and postmenopausal women. Preliminary research conducted to assess a possible relationship between folic acid concentration and human breast cancer growth was inconclusive due to not including normal cells as a comparison group in the initial study. We hypothesized that folic acid may have differential effects on normal and breast cancer cell growth rate, viability, and morphology. To emulate folic acid exposure nationally, including those individuals with pre-existing cancer, we conducted follow up experiments comparing folic acid effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer and CHO ovarian cell lines. Results showed a decrease in human breast cancer viability and growth rate as folic acid concentrations increased, while CHO cells viability and growth rate increased.