Combined vitamins B12b and C induce the glutathione depletion and the death of epidermoid human larynx carcinoma cells HEp-2

The combination of hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B-12b) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can cause the death of tumor cells at the concentrations of the components at which they are nontoxic when administered separately. This cytotoxic action on epidermoid human larynx carcinoma cells HEp-2 in vitro is shown to be due to the hydrogen peroxide generated by the combination of vitamins B-12b and C. The drop in the glutathione level preceding cell death was found to be the result of combined action of the vitamins. It is supposed that the induction of cell death by combined action of vitamins B-12b and C is connected to the damage of the cell redox system.