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.
Recommended Citation
Tracy, Sarah; Bernstein, Ryan; Mallory, Shannon; and Weldon, Cassandra, "Comparative Effects of Supplemental Folic Acid on Normal Versus Breast Cancer Growth Rate, Viability, and Morphology" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 38.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/posters/38
Poster Number
48
Department/Program
Nutrition, Exercise & Health Science
Additional Mentoring Department
Biological Sciences
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.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Ian Quitadamo