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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 19, 2013
Flavonoids suppress androgen-independent human prostate tumor proliferation
L M Knowles1, D A Zigrossi, R A Tauber
1Graduate Program in Nutrition, Nutrition Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Abstract:
The present studies compared the effects of selected bioflavonoids on the proliferation of androgen-independent human prostatic tumor cells (PC-3). Complete growth retardation was observed in PC-3 cells treated with 100 microM quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin, while isomolar genistein, apigenin, and myricetin suppressed PC-3 proliferation by 73%, 70%, and 59%, respectively (p < 0.05). Naringenin and rutin were not as effective and inhibited growth by < 25%. Exposure to increasing concentrations of quercetin and kaempferol led to a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation. Refeeding kaempferol-treated cells (50 microM) complete medium without the flavonoid resulted in a return toward control growth rates. Similar growth recovery was not observed in quercetin-treated cells. The antiproliferative response of PC-3 cells to quercetin and kaempferol was additive when supplemented to the medium at 25 microM. A block in G2-to-M phase progression was observed after the addition of 25 microM kaempferol. When quercetin reached 100 microM, an increase in the proportion of cells in the S phase became apparent within 24 hours. Apoptosis was not evident, even when concentrations of quercetin or kaempferol were raised to 100 microM. The present studies suggest that alterations in cell cycle progression contribute significantly to the antiproliferative effects of quercetin and kaempferol in PC-3 cells.
Insights
Selected bioflavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol significantly inhibit prostate cancer cell growth by altering cell cycle progression. These compounds offer potential therapeutic strategies for androgen-independent prostate cancer (PC-3).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly androgen-independent forms.
- Bioflavonoids are plant-derived compounds with potential therapeutic properties.
- Understanding the mechanisms of action of bioflavonoids is crucial for developing novel cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiproliferative effects of various bioflavonoids on androgen-independent human prostatic tumor cells (PC-3).
- To elucidate the cell cycle alterations induced by potent bioflavonoids in PC-3 cells.
Main Methods:
- PC-3 cells were treated with selected bioflavonoids at varying concentrations.
- Cell proliferation was assessed using standard assays.
- Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry.
- Apoptosis was evaluated to rule out its contribution to growth inhibition.
Main Results:
- Quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin completely inhibited PC-3 cell growth at 100 microM.
- Genistein, apigenin, and myricetin significantly suppressed proliferation.
- Quercetin and kaempferol demonstrated dose-dependent antiproliferative effects.
- Kaempferol induced a G2-to-M phase block, while quercetin increased S phase proportion.
- No significant apoptosis was observed at tested concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and kaempferol exhibit potent antiproliferative activity against PC-3 cells.
- Alterations in cell cycle progression are key mechanisms underlying their effects.
- These bioflavonoids represent promising candidates for further investigation in prostate cancer therapy.
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07:25A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
08:36Prostate Organoid Cultures as Tools to Translate Genotypes and Mutational Profiles to Pharmacological Responses
Published on: October 24, 2019
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