Role of Glutathione in Drug Resistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): B.G. Campling, K. Baer, H.M. Baker, Y.-M. Lam, S.P.C. Cole
Primary Institution: Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
Hypothesis
Do glutathione and related enzymes play a role in drug resistance in small cell lung cancer cell lines?
Conclusion
Alterations in glutathione metabolism do not play a major role in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in small cell lung cancer cell lines.
Supporting Evidence
- Most of the cell lines had a characteristic and reproducible profile of GSH and related enzyme levels.
- The number of positive correlations between drug sensitivity and enzyme levels was no greater than expected by chance.
- Previous studies indicated that P-glycoprotein overexpression does not frequently occur in small cell lung cancer.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a substance called glutathione might affect how well cancer cells respond to drugs. It found that glutathione doesn't seem to be a big reason why some cancer cells resist treatment.
Methodology
Levels of glutathione and related enzymes were measured in 20 small cell lung cancer cell lines, and their sensitivity to 16 different chemotherapeutic agents was tested using a modified MTT assay.
Limitations
The study may not account for changes in glutathione levels and enzyme activity over time in cultured cell lines compared to original tumor samples.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website