OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CANCER STEM-LIKE CELLS: BIOLOGY AND MODULATION STRATEGIES

Recent researches suggest that cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are resistant to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), that conversely are able to cause a cytotoxic damage in other cell types. The objective of this work was to evaluate the redox status in CSCs isolated from canine and feline mammary tumors. A total of 66 (suspected) mammary neoplasms were collected: 57 from dogs and 9 from cats. For each specimen histological diagnosis (WHO) and immunohistochemistry detection of stem markers (e.g. CD44) were performed. CSC treatment with lipoperoxides (K600, a patente peroxidated olive oil induces) evidenced cytostatic/cytotoxic effects by modulation of the oxidative balance. Moreover, these data may be useful to highlight the possible Oxidative Stress mechanisms involved in tumor processes, to identify new targets for prognosis and innovative therapeutic strategies for both animals and humans