Glycolaldehyde induces apoptosis in a human breast cancer cell line.

Activated phagocytes employ myeloperoxidase to generate glycolaldehyde, 2-hydroxypropanal, and acrolein. Because alpha-hydroxy and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes are highly reactive, phagocyte-mediated formation of these products may play a role in killing bacteria and tumor cells. Using breast cancer cells, we demonstrate that glycolaldehyde inactivates glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase, suppresses cell growth, and induces apoptosis. These results suggest that glycolaldehyde might be an important mediator of neutrophil anti-tumor activity.