Methylsulfonylmethane sensitizes endometrial cancer cells to doxorubicin.

Background: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a commonly used diet supplement believed to decrease the inflammation in joints and fastens recovery in osteoarthritis, gastric mucosal injury, or obesity-related disorders. It was also suggested that MSM might play a beneficial role in cancer treatment.

Purpose: So far, the MSM might have a potentially beneficial effect in endometrial cancer (EC) treatment.

Study Design: This study evaluated the effect and usefulness of MSM in combinatory therapy with known drug doxorubicin (DOX).

Methods: The effect of combinational treatment of MSM and DOX on the induction of apoptosis was evaluated in EC cell lines (ISHIKAWA, MFE-296, MFE-280).

Results: We observed that MSM itself induces apoptosis in EC cell lines, and pre-treatment with MSM for 24 h increases the sensitivity of EC cells to DOX-induced apoptosis and DNA damage and that effect might be regulated by p42/44 (Erk1/2) MAPK and Akt (protein kinase B).

Conclusion: These results for the first time show that MSM might act as a sensitizer of EC cells to known drugs, for which EC cells quickly acquire resistance. Graphical abstract.