Corn-derived carbohydrate inositol hexaphosphate inhibits Barrett's adenocarcinoma growth by pro-apoptotic mechanisms

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate that is found in food sources high in fiber content. IP6 has been reported to have significant inhibitory effects against a variety of primary tumors. We hypothesized that IP6 would inhibit the cell growth rate of Barrett's adenocarcinoma in vitro. Two Barrett's-associated adenocarcinoma cell lines, SEG-1 and BIC-1, were treated with IP6 at 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mM concentrations. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by the Annexin V FITC assay. Reductions (P