Effect of Lutein on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Prostate Cancer PC3 Cell Line and Related Mechanism

Abstract

Objective To investigate the mechanism of lutein on the proliferation and apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC3 cells, and to provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. Methods CCK8 assay was used to detect the proliferation of PC3 cells treated with different concentrations of lutein; flow cytometry was used to detect the changes of cell cycle distribution and apoptosis after 48 h; cell scratch (wound healing) and Transwell experiment was applied to observe cell migration and invasion; the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results Lutein significantly inhibited the proliferation of PC3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Lutein could block the growth of PC3 cells in G0/G1 phase and inhibit cell migration and invasion; it could induce cell apoptosis, downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and upregulate the expression of Bax. RT-PCR results showed that lutein could downregulate Bcl-2 mRNA expression and upregulate Bax mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Lutein could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC3 cells. The mechanism may be related to blocking cell cycle, inhibiting cell migration and invasion, as well as regulating apoptosis-related gene and protein expression.

Keywords

• lutein
• prostate cancer
• proliferation
• apoptosis
• bax
• bcl-2