Hypothesis: Spirulina may Slow the Growth and Spread of Ovarian Cancer by Interfering with Growth Factor Activity of Lysophophatidic Acid

Abstract

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has emerged as a key autocrine growth factor for most ovarian cancers, promoting their proliferation, survival, invasiveness, dissemination within the peritoneal cavity, and angiogenic capacity. Effective LPA signaling requires activation of endosomal NADPH oxidase activity. Free bilirubin is now known to function intracellularly as a potent inhibitor of NADPH oxidase complexes. The cyanobacterial chromophore phycocyanobilin (PhyCB), via intracellular conversion to the bilirubin homolog phycocyanorubin, can likewise inhibit NADPH oxidase activity, and is orally active in this regard. The cell wall polysaccharides of cyanobacteria may also aid cancer control by activating innate immunity and inhibiting angiogenesis. Hence, consumption of edible cyanobacteria such as spirulina may have potential for slowing the growth and spread of ovarian cancer – as it has recently been shown to do with a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma.