Role of Hyaluronan and Glucose on 4-Methylumbelliferone-inhibited Cell Proliferation in Breast Carcinoma Cells

Background/Aim: 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) has received considerable attention due to its potential for cancer treatment since it inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion. An increasing body of evidence suggests that extracellular matrix (e.g. hyaluronan) and nutrients (e.g. glucose) in the tumor microenvironment may affect cellular responses to extracellular signals. This study investigates the role of hyaluronan and glucose on 4-MU-inhibited cell proliferation in breast carcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: 4-MU-inhibited cell proliferation was determined using the soluble formazan dye, whose absorbance is directly proportional to the number of living cells, under conditions of competent vs. deficient in producing hyaluronan, or low vs. high glucose in culture media of breast carcinoma cells. Results: Cellular sensitivity to 4-MU-inhibited cell proliferation was altered by changes in the amount of hyaluronan or glucose in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusion: Increased amounts of hyaluronan or glucose in the tumor microenvironment reduced cellular sensitivity of breast carcinoma cells to 4-MU-inhibited cell proliferation.