Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 secretion and invasion by human ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3 with lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and green tea extract

Aims: Based on the poor prognosis associated with ovarian cancer and reported anticancer properties of specific nutrients, we investigated the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and epigallocatechin gallate on human ovarian cancer cells SK‐OV‐3 by measuring: cell proliferation, modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 expression, and cancer cell invasive potential. Methods: Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMP activity by gelatinase zymography, and invasion through Matrigel. Results: Human ovarian cancer cell growth was not significantly affected by the NM. Zymography demonstrated inhibition of MMP‐2 secretion in a dose‐dependent fashion with virtual total inhibition at 50 µg/mL NM concentration. Invasion of human ovarian cancer cells through Matrigel decreased in a dose‐dependent fashion, with 90% inhibition at 500 µg/mL NM and 100% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL NM (P