Baicalein inhibits the proliferative activity of human prostate cancer cell line PC3 by downregulating Ezrin

We aimed to elucidate the inhibitory effect of Baicalein on proliferative ability in Prostate cancer (PCa) through downregulating Ezrin. Relative level of Ezrin in PCa tissues and adjacent ones was detected. After PC3 cells were induced with 20 or 40 μM Baicalein, changes in viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed. Relative levels of CyclinD1, CDK4, P53 and P21 were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Regulatory effects of Ezrin and Baicalein treatment on PC3 cells were evaluated. Finally, in vivo effects of Ezrin and Baicalein treatment on nude mice bearing PCa were detected. Ezrin was upregulated in PCa tissues relative to adjacent normal ones. Baicalein treatment decreased viability, arrested cell cycle and stimulated apoptosis in PC3 cells. Meanwhile, Baicalein treatment downregulated CyclinD1 and CDK4, while upregulating P53 and P21. Moreover, Ezrin was downregulated in Baicalein-treated PC3 cells. Knockdown of Ezrin synergistically stimulated the effects of Baicalein on cellular phenotypes of PC3 cells. In nude mice bearing PCa, Baicalein treatment decreased tumor volume and tumor weight, which were much more pronounced in those with in vivo knockdown of Ezrin. Baicalein treatment suppresses proliferative ability, arrests cell cycle and stimulates apoptosis in PCa cells through downregulating Ezrin.