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Induction of apoptosis in human prostatic cancer cells with beta-glucan (Maitake mushroom polysaccharide)
S A Fullerton1, A A Samadi, D G Tortorelis
1Department of Urology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
Purpose:
To explore more effective treatment for hormone-refractory prostate cancer, we investigated the potential antitumor effect of beta-glucan, a polysaccharide of the Maitake mushroom, on prostatic cancer cells in vitro.
Materials And Methods:
Human prostate cancer PC-3 cells were treated with various concentrations of the highly purified beta-glucan preparation Grifron-D(R) (GD), and viability was determined at 24 h. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay and in situ hybridization (ISH) were performed to unravel the antitumor mechanism of GD.
Results:
A dose-response study showed that almost complete (>95%) cell death was attained in 24 h with GD > or = 480 microg/mL. Combinations of GD in a concentration as low as 30 to 60 microg/mL with 200 microM vitamin C were as effective as GD alone at 480 microg/mL, inducing >90% cytotoxic cell death. Simultaneous use with various anticancer drugs showed little potentiation of their efficacy except for the carmustine/GD combination (approximately 90% reduction in cell viability). The significantly (twofold) elevated LPO level and positive ISH staining of GD-treated cells indicated oxidative membrane damage resulting in apoptotic cell death.
Conclusion:
A bioactive beta-glucan from the Maitake mushroom has a cytotoxic effect, presumably through oxidative stress, on prostatic cancer cells in vitro, leading to apoptosis. Potentiation of GD action by vitamin C and the chemosensitizing effect of GD on carmustine may also have clinical implications. Therefore, this unique mushroom polysaccharide may have great a potential as an alternative therapeutic modality for prostate cancer.
Insights
Maitake mushroom beta-glucan shows potent antitumor effects against prostate cancer cells in vitro. This natural compound induces cell death and may offer a novel therapeutic strategy, especially when combined with vitamin C or carmustine.
Area of Science:
- Mushroom Polysaccharides
- Cancer Biology
- Natural Product Therapeutics
Background:
- Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly hormone-refractory forms.
- Existing treatments have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antitumor potential of beta-glucan from Maitake mushrooms against prostate cancer cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of beta-glucan in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Human prostate cancer PC-3 cells were treated with purified beta-glucan (Grifron-D, GD).
- Cell viability, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and in situ hybridization (ISH) were assessed.
- Combinations with vitamin C and anticancer drugs were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Beta-glucan (GD) induced significant cell death (>95%) at concentrations >= 480 microg/mL.
- Combinations of GD with vitamin C showed synergistic cytotoxic effects.
- GD demonstrated chemosensitizing effects with carmustine, enhancing cell death.
Conclusions:
- Maitake mushroom beta-glucan exhibits cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cells via oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Vitamin C potentiation and carmustine chemosensitization suggest clinical relevance.
- Beta-glucan represents a promising alternative therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer.
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