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.

Abstract

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.

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