Glycolysis Inhibition Influences on Viability of Oral Cancer Cells

Introduction: Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Glycolysis is known to be the primary energy source in most cancer cells. Fluoride is an inhibitor of enolase in the glycolysis pathway. Therefore, we hypothesize that exposure of oral cancer cells to fluoride would have a negative impact on their viability. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of NaF on the viability of primary and metastatic oral cancer cell lines. Material and Methods: Primary oral cancer cell lines (HN4), metastatic oral cancer cell lines (HN12) and human gingival fibroblast (HGF) as a control were cultured in high glucose-DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS and antibiotics. The cells were exposed to NaF at concentration levels ranging 500 to 5,000 ppm F in 96-well plates for 3 days. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. Data were expressed as percent growth as compare with that of the controls. Results: Sodium fluoride at 500 ppm F exhibited cytotoxicity to fibroblasts and cancer cells. HGF, HN4 and HN12 could survive by 7.85%, 3.26%, and 4.38%, respectively. There was no significant difference in cell survival when these cells exposed to NaF at the concentrations of 500 up to 5,000 ppm F. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that glycolysis plays an important role in the growth and survival of oral cancer cells.