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The Effect of Exogenous Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) on Caspase-3 Activation and Apoptosis Induction in Pc-3 Prostate
Jufriady Ismy1, Suwandi Sugandi2, Dedi Rachmadi3
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala, Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
Background:
This study aimed to assess the effects of exogenous SOD administration on prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway by examining the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), caspase-3, and apoptosis index of the PC-3 cell line.
Methods:
We used the prostate cancer cells from secondary prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3) derived from castration refractory prostate cancer (CRPC), cell differentiation grade IV, and had metastasized to the bone from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, MD, USA). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is derived from extracts of melon seeds and wheat gliadin biopolymer, and divided into 62.5 mg/mL, 83 mg/mL, 125 mg/mL, and 250 mg/mL doses. Expression of MnSOD was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Expression of caspase-3 was measured using Western Blot method. Apoptotic index is calculated based on the reaction introduction 3OH end of fragmentation of DNA by the enzyme terminal transferase in preparations with TUNEL staining reagents. A one-way ANOVA test and Pearson correlation test were used to determine the relationship between SOD with expression of caspase-3 and apoptotic index.
Results:
SOD extract significantly increased the expression of caspase-3 (P=0.016) and the apoptotic index (P=0.000) (P<0.05). There was a correlation between the increased doses of SOD extract and the apoptosis index (P=0.015; r=0.679) and between the increased caspase-3 expression and the apoptosis index (P=0.015; r=0.682).
Conclusion:
Administration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased apoptosis in a prostate cancer cell line (PC-3) through the increased expression of caspase-3. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can be considered as a therapy for late-stage prostate cancer that had been progressed to hormone resistant and metastasized and promote apoptosis in those prostate cancer cells.
Insights
Exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) administration significantly boosted apoptosis in prostate cancer cells (PC-3). This suggests SOD as a potential therapy for advanced, hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostate cancer progression involves complex cellular mechanisms.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents for advanced prostate cancer is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) on apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
- To examine the role of SOD in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, focusing on MnSOD, caspase-3, and apoptotic index.
Main Methods:
- Utilized PC-3 prostate cancer cell line, derived from castration-refractory, bone-metastatic CRPC.
- Administered SOD extracts at varying doses (62.5–250 mg/mL).
- Assessed MnSOD expression via immunohistochemistry, caspase-3 via Western Blot, and apoptotic index using TUNEL staining.
Main Results:
- SOD extract significantly upregulated caspase-3 expression (P=0.016) and increased the apoptotic index (P=0.000).
- A positive correlation was observed between increased SOD doses and the apoptotic index (P=0.015, r=0.679).
- A correlation was also found between elevated caspase-3 expression and the apoptotic index (P=0.015, r=0.682).
Conclusions:
- Exogenous SOD administration effectively promotes apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
- SOD enhances apoptosis by increasing caspase-3 expression.
- SOD shows promise as a therapeutic agent for hormone-resistant, metastatic prostate cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Caspases
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

