Enzyme-treated Asparagus Extract Down-regulates Heat Shock Protein 27 of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM: From the standpoint of cancer therapy, it is valuable to enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy. Our previous reports revealed that up-regulation of heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27) has been linked to gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Enzyme-treated asparagus extract (ETAS) is an extract that is produced from asparagus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ETAS on the expression of HSP27 and other HSPs in the gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line KLM1-R. MATERIALS AND METHODS: KLM1-R cells were treated with ETAS, and expression levels of HSPs, including HSP27, were investigated by western blotting. RESULTS: ETAS down-regulated HSP27 and pHSP27 (serine 78) in KLM1-R cells, but, HSP70 and GRP78 levels were not altered. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the potential therapeutic benefit of ETAS in enhancing anticancer effects by its combination with gemcitabine for patients with pancreatic cancer.