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Ursolic acid, a naturally occurring triterpenoid, demonstrates anticancer activity on human prostate cancer cells

E Kassi1, Z Papoutsi, H Pratsinis

  • 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 115 27 Goudi, Athens, Greece.

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|May 23, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ursolic acid, a natural compound, effectively reduced prostate cancer cell viability and promoted apoptosis in both hormone-refractory and androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. This suggests potential therapeutic applications for ursolic acid in prostate cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Natural Products Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids are common adjuvant therapies for hormone-refractory prostate cancer, but their efficacy is not fully established.
  • Ursolic acid, a natural triterpene, shares structural similarities with dexamethasone and has demonstrated antitumor properties.
  • Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of ursolic acid on cell viability, apoptosis, and bcl-2 protein expression.
  • To evaluate ursolic acid's impact on both hormone-refractory (PC-3) and androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) prostate cancer cell lines.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay.
  • Apoptosis was analyzed via flow cytometry.
  • Western blot analysis was employed to examine bcl-2 protein levels.

Main Results:

  • Ursolic acid significantly inhibited cell viability in PC-3 cells at 55 µM and in LNCaP cells at 45 µM.
  • Apoptosis was induced by ursolic acid in both PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines.
  • A notable downregulation of bcl-2 protein was observed in response to ursolic acid treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Ursolic acid exhibits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in both hormone-refractory and androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells.
  • These findings suggest that ursolic acid holds potential as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.
  • The downregulation of bcl-2 protein may represent a key molecular mechanism underlying ursolic acid's apoptotic effects.

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