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An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
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An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Published on: September 18, 2013

Telmisartan is a potent target for prevention and treatment in human prostate cancer

Kiyoaki Funao1, Masahide Matsuyama, Yutaka Kawahito

  • 1Department of Urology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan.

Oncology Reports
|July 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), effectively inhibits prostate cancer (PC) cell growth and induces apoptosis. Unlike other ARBs, Telmisartan demonstrates potent anti-cancer effects without harming normal prostate cells, suggesting its therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are established antihypertensive agents.
  • Emerging research suggests ARBs may possess anti-prostate cancer (PC) properties.
  • Telmisartan, an ARB, is known to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, a pathway previously linked to PC cell apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Telmisartan and other ARBs on the proliferation of various prostate cancer cell lines.
  • To determine if Telmisartan induces apoptosis in PC cells and assess its selectivity compared to normal prostate cells.
  • To explore the potential role of PPAR-gamma activation in Telmisartan's anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MTT assays to measure cell proliferation in response to Telmisartan and other ARBs (Candesartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan, Losartan).
  • Employed flow cytometry and Hoechst staining to detect apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in PC cells and normal prostate cells (NPC).
  • Tested ARBs on hormone-refractory (PC3), androgen-independent (DU-145), and androgen-dependent (LNCaP) PC cell lines.

Main Results:

  • Telmisartan significantly inhibited PC cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • Treatment with 100 microM Telmisartan induced early apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in PC cells.
  • Neither Telmisartan nor other tested ARBs induced apoptosis or affected proliferation in normal prostate stromal cells (NPC).
  • Other ARBs (Candesartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan, Losartan) showed no significant effect on PC cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • Telmisartan exhibits potent, selective antiproliferative effects against prostate cancer cells, potentially mediated through PPAR-gamma activation.
  • Telmisartan represents a promising therapeutic agent for prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
  • The selective action on cancer cells versus normal cells highlights Telmisartan's favorable therapeutic profile.

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