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Pterostilbene induces autophagy and apoptosis in sensitive and chemoresistant human bladder cancer cells

Rong-Jane Chen1, Chi-Tang Ho, Ying-Jan Wang

  • 1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan.

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|July 7, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pterostilbene (PT) inhibits bladder cancer growth by inducing cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis in both sensitive and chemoresistant cells. This study highlights PT as a potential therapeutic agent for bladder cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Bladder cancer is a common malignancy with many cases becoming unresectable and chemotherapy-resistant.
  • Pterostilbene (PT), a natural phytoalexin, exhibits antioxidant, cancer prevention, and cytotoxic properties against various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Pterostilbene (PT) in inhibiting the growth of sensitive and chemoresistant human bladder cancer cells.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PT's anti-cancer effects, including cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed PT's effect on bladder cancer cell growth.
  • Analyzed PT-induced cell cycle arrest through Cyclin A, B, D1, and pRB.
  • Detected autophagy via acidic vesicular organelles and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II.
  • Identified apoptosis using Annexin V and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining.

Main Results:

  • PT inhibited the growth of both sensitive and chemoresistant human bladder cancer cells.
  • PT induced cell cycle arrest, characterized by down-regulation of Cyclin A, B, D1, and pRB.
  • PT triggered autophagy early and apoptosis later, involving the mTOR and ERK pathways.
  • Inhibiting autophagy potentiated PT-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to show that Pterostilbene (PT) induces autophagy in cancer cells.
  • Pterostilbene (PT) demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for treating both sensitive and chemoresistant bladder cancer.

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