The Role of Acetate in the Antagonization of Oxalate: A Potential Causative Molecule for Heart Disease and Cancer Death

Abstract

Previous reports demonstrated the anticancer effects and the protective effects on cardiovascular diseases of vinegar products. The molecular mechanism underlying these phenomena is not well elucidated. It was proposed that carcinogenesis is triggered by the formation of local strong acids such as HCl. Cancer cells may overproduce weak or moderate organic acids such as oxalate to antagonize strong acids, and calcium oxalate may cause organ failure and death. This study aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanism on the antagonism of apoptosis by acetate on oxalate. Quantitation of cell apoptosis of HEK293T cells in the presence of sodium oxalate and compounds with similar structures to oxalate was conducted by using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining via flow cytometry. The data indicate that acetate could attenuate the proapoptotic functions of oxalate. This study yields insight into the anticancer and antidisease functions of vinegar products and opens up a new path in the use of weak acetic acid in the prevention and treatment of cancer.