Modified citrus pectin anti-metastatic properties: one bullet, multiple targets

Abstract

In this minireview, we examine the ability of modified citrus pectin (MCP), a complex water soluble indigestible polysaccharide obtained from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits and modified by means of high pH and temperature treatment, to affect numerous rate-limiting steps in cancer metastasis. The anti-adhesive properties of MCP as well as its potential for increasing apoptotic responses of tumor cells to chemotherapy by inhibiting galectin-3 anti-apoptotic function are discussed in the light of a potential use of this carbohydrate-based substance in the treatment of multiple human malignancies.

Plant Pectin: A Potential Source for Cancer Suppression

“…All human cells express carbohydrates on their surfaces in the form of glycoproteins, glycolipids and polysaccharides. Emerging studies indicate that plant pectin, a complex branched polysaccharide fiber rich in galactoside Science Publications AJPT residues, has been shown to play critical therapeutic roles against various cancers (Olano-Martin et al, 2003;Glinsky and Raz, 2009). Reports also suggest that pectic polysaccharides are involved in an immuno-modulation process (Wong et al, 1994) and possesses anti-ulcer effects (Kiyohara et al, 1994).…”

“…Unfortunately, humans cells are unable to produce pectin degrading enzymes to degrade the pectin; therefore, scientists have developed Modified forms of Citrus Pectin (MCP) (Baldwin and Shah, 1993;Pienta et al, 1995). Several recent independent studies have shown that MCP plays an important role in carcinogen detoxification and cancer suppression by its interaction with different oncogenes in cancer cells (Glinsky and Raz, 2009). MCP has been shown to play a more potential therapeutic role against various cancers compared to normal citrus pectin (Hayashi et al, 2000).…”

“…MCP has been shown to play a more potential therapeutic role against various cancers compared to normal citrus pectin (Hayashi et al, 2000). Fifty independent studies have demonstrated that MCP interacts with galectin-3 and inhibits tumor growth or cancer metastasis in vivo and in vitro in various types of cancers including prostate, colon, breast, melanoma and multiple myeloma (Pienta et al, 1995;Hsieh and Wu, 1995;Glinskii et al, 2005;Hayashi et al, 2000;NangiaMakker et al, 2002;Sathisha et al, 2007;Inohara and Raz, 1994;Glinsky and Raz, 2009). In this review, we focus on pectin and modified citrus pectin, their structural properties and their important role in detoxification and cancer suppression.…”

Cell Growth Inhibition Effect of DsiRNA Vectorised by Pectin-Coated Chitosan-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Potential Therapy for Colon Cancer

“…Apart from being utilised as specific drug carrier to the colon, pectin also has been studied for its antitumor activity. According to Glinsky and Raz [18], antitumor activity of pectin was attributed to abundant -galactose present in modified citrus pectin (MCP). The primary mechanism of action for MCP is by inhibiting a -galactoside binding protein galectin-3 (Gal-3), which is responsible for angiogenic activity.…”

“…This property enables it to be used as a specific drug carrier to the colon [17]. Besides, it also displays antitumor activity [18] that can further enhance growth inhibition or cytotoxic effect in colon cancer cells.…”