Potentiation of lipid peroxidation in B16F10 and B16F1 melanoma cells by caffeine, a methylxanthine derivative: relationship to intracellular glutathione.

BACKGROUND

Caffeine has shown an inhibitory role in invasion and proliferation in melanoma pulmonary metastasis as well as in high-grade tissue sarcoma. However, little is known about its mechanism and possible role in metastatic cell lines.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

B16F10 and B16F1 cell lines of high and low metastatic potential were treated with caffeine at different time intervals with different doses. Reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase and lipid peroxides were estimated to evaluate the effect of caffeine.

RESULTS

Caffeine treatment showed glutathione depletion and increased lipid peroxidation with higher glutathione S-transferase activity in both B16F10 and B16F1 cell lines. However the effect of caffeine was dependent on the time factor as well as on the dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Caffeine was an effective inhibitor of metastatic activity. Glutathione depletion in conjunction with increased lipid peroxidation was a potent indicator in the regulation of metastatic behavior of B16F10 and B16F1 melanoma cell lines.