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An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
Growth suppressing effect of garlic compound diallyl disulfide on prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) in vitro
Arumugam Arunkumar1, Marati Radhakrishnan Vijayababu, Palaniyandi Kanagaraj
1Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, India. j_arunakaran@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Prostate cancer is the most predominant cancer in men and prostate cancer related death increases every year. Till date, there is no effective therapy other than androgen ablation therapy. At this stage, induction of apoptosis is considered as a better strategy to control cancer. Previous studies reported that aged garlic extract suppresses cancer growth and enhances immune system against cancer. In the present study, diallyl disulfide, oil soluble organosulfur compound of garlic, was studied for its antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells in vitro. The suppression of cell growth was demonstrated by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation assay. Induction of DNA damage was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results showed that diallyl disulfide inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in a dose dependent manner, compared to the control. At 50 microM and 100 microM concentrations, diallyl disulfide induced DNA damage in PC-3 cells. It is concluded that diallyl disulfide, component of aged garlic extract, inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis.
Insights
Diallyl disulfide, a garlic compound, effectively inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and induces DNA damage. This suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer by promoting apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men.
- Current treatments like androgen ablation therapy have limitations.
- Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a promising strategy for cancer control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiproliferative effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on prostate cancer cells in vitro.
- To determine if DADS induces DNA damage in prostate cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using prostate cancer cell lines.
- Cell proliferation assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation assay.
- DNA damage evaluated using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Diallyl disulfide demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth.
- DADS induced significant DNA damage in PC-3 cells at concentrations of 50 microM and 100 microM.
Conclusions:
- Diallyl disulfide, a component of aged garlic extract, exhibits antiproliferative effects on prostate cancer cells.
- The mechanism involves the induction of apoptosis, suggesting therapeutic potential.

