Sodium caseinate induces increased survival in leukaemic mouse J774 model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukaemia is a neoplastic disease of haematopoietic stem cells. Although there have been recent advances regarding its treatment, mortality remains high. Consequently, therapeutic alternatives continue to be explored. In the present report, we present evidence that sodium caseinate (CasNa), a salt of the principal protein in milk, may possess important anti-leukaemic properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: J774 leukaemia macrophage-like cells were cultured with CasNa and proliferation, viability and differentiation were evaluated. These cells were also inoculated into BALB/c mice as a model of leukemia. RESULTS: We demonstrated that CasNa inhibits the in vitro proliferation and reduces viability of J774 cells, and leads to increased survival in vivo in a leukaemic mouse model. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that CasNa may be useful in leukaemia therapy.