Dietary 2-deoxy-D-glucose impairs tumour growth and metastasis by inhibiting angiogenesis

Accumulating evidence suggests the antiangiogenic potential of the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) among the anticancerous properties of this drug. In the present studies, we investigated the antiangiogenic effects of dietary 2-DG on tumour (Lewis lung carcinoma [LLC]) as well as ionising radiation–induced angiogenesis in mouse models. Dietary 2-DG reduced the serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels (∼40%) in LLC-bearing mice along with a significant inhibition of tumour growth and metastases. In vivo Matrigel plug assays showed significant decrease in vascularisation, Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran fluorescence and factor VIII–positive cells in the plugs from 2-DG–fed mice, supporting the notion that dietary 2-DG significantly suppresses the tumour-associated and radiation-induced angiogenesis. 2-DG inhibited the glucose usage and lactate production as well as ATP levels of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied by growth inhibition and loss of viability in vitro. Furthermore, 2-DG inhibited the capillary-like tube formation in Matrigel as well as migration and transwell invasion by HUVECs, which are functional indicators of the process of angiogenesis. These results suggest that dietary 2-DG inhibits processes related to angiogenesis, which can impair the growth and metastasis of tumours. •Dietary 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) inhibits Lewis lung carcinoma primary tumour growth and lung metastasis.•2-DG administration inhibits tumour-associated and radiation-induced angiogenesis.•Inhibition of glucose metabolism in activated endothelial cells underlies the mechanisms of antiangiogenic potential of 2-DG.