Citation/Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of KetoCal ^® diet on the growth and angiogenic properties of a mouse astrocytoma (CT-2A) and a human glioma (U87-MG) that were orthotopically implanted in C57BL/6J and BALBc/J (SCID) mice, respectively. KetoCal ^® was administered to the mice in a restricted amount to maintain body weight at approximately 80% of the standard chow or KetoCal ^® diet ad libitum-fed control group. Protein and gene expressions for succinyl-CoA-acetoacetate-CoA transferase (SCOT), β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (β-OHBDH) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) were investigated in tumors and contra-lateral normal brain tissue. The tumors were analyzed for microvessel density (Factor VIII) for tumor angiogenesis. KetoCal ^® significantly decreased the intracerebral CT-2A and U87-MG growth by about 70% and 35%, respectively, and significantly enhanced survival relative to the control groups. SCOT and β-OHBDH expressions were significantly lower in the tumors than in the brain suggesting that the brain tumor cells have impaired ability to metabolize ketone bodies for energy. Microvessel density was significantly lower in the KetoCal ^® groups than in the control groups. These results indicate that KetoCal ^® has anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects in experimental mouse and human brain tumors, and should have clinical efficacy for managing malignant human brain cancer.