Hyperthermia on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can sensitize tumor cells to undergo cell death

Int J Hyperthermia. 2008 Dec;24(8):638-48. doi: 10.1080/02656730802253117.

Abstract

Hyperthermia, the procedure of raising the temperature of tumor-loaded tissue to 40 degrees -43 degrees C, has been applied to various established cancer treatments. Although the mechanism of hyperthermia in cancer treatment is well-known, there are few or no studies regarding the effect of hyperthermia on the tumor-supportive stroma. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display the potential for differentiation into various tissues. MSCs are also reported to play a role as potential precursors for tumor stroma in providing a favorable environment for tumor progression. Here, we investigated the effects of hyperthermia-treated MSCs on the viability and growth of cancer cells. Culture supernatants from non-shocked or heat-shocked MSCs (NS-MSCs or HS-MSCs) were added to MCF7 cells. Morphological analysis and cell proliferation assay showed the reduced viability and growth of MCF7 cells by addition of culture medium conditioned by HS-MSCs. Additionally, exposure to the conditioned medium by HS-MSCs induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, increased MHC class I, Fas receptor, and TNF-R expressions, and decreased MDR1 expression in the MCF7 cells. In particular, the conditioned medium of HS-MSCs accelerated the inhibition of tumor cell growth by several chemotherapeutic drugs. These data present new aspects of hyperthermia in cancer treatment, suggesting that hyperthermia can enable tumor stroma provide a sensitizing environment for tumor cells to undergo cell death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Death*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced*
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Neoplasm Proteins