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RETRACTED: Neferine Targets the Oncogenic Characteristics of Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Cells via Inducing
Subramanyam Dasari1, Nishtha Pathak2, Amy Thomas2
1School of Medicine, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
Abstract:
Castration resistance poses a significant challenge in the management of advanced prostate cancer (PCa), with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or chemotherapy being the primary treatment options. However, these approaches often lead to significant side effects and the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to explore novel treatment options that can efficiently target PCa, improve patient survival, and enhance their quality of life. Neferine (Nef), a bioactive compound derived from plants, has emerged as a promising candidate for cancer treatment due to its ability to induce apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. In this study, we investigated the potential anticancer effects of Nef in androgen receptor (AR)-positive LNCaP and VCaP cells, representative models of androgen-dependent PCa. Our findings demonstrate that Nef effectively inhibits cell growth, proliferation, and the tumorigenic potential of androgen-dependent PCa cells. Furthermore, Nef treatment resulted in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to the activation of key markers of autophagy and apoptosis. These results suggest that Nef has the potential to target the oncogenic characteristics of androgen-dependent PCa cells by exploiting the potency of ROS and inducing autophagy and apoptosis in AR-positive PCa cells. These findings shed light on the therapeutic potential of Nef as a novel treatment option with reduced side effects for androgen-dependent prostate cancer. Further investigations are warranted to assess its efficacy and safety in preclinical and clinical settings.
Insights
Neferine (Nef), a plant-derived compound, shows promise in treating prostate cancer (PCa). It effectively inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting potential as a novel therapeutic with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) management faces challenges with castration resistance, often treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or chemotherapy.
- Current treatments for PCa can cause significant side effects and lead to therapeutic resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Neferine (Nef), a plant-derived bioactive compound, exhibits anticancer properties, including the induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential anticancer effects of Neferine (Nef) in androgen receptor (AR)-positive, androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines (LNCaP and VCaP).
- To explore the mechanisms by which Nef exerts its effects on PCa cells, focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized androgen receptor (AR)-positive LNCaP and VCaP cell lines as models for androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa).
- Treated PCa cells with Neferine (Nef) to assess its impact on cell growth, proliferation, and tumorigenic potential.
- Measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and analyzed key markers of autophagy and apoptosis following Nef treatment.
Main Results:
- Neferine (Nef) significantly inhibited cell growth, proliferation, and tumorigenic potential in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) cells.
- Nef treatment led to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PCa cells.
- Increased ROS levels correlated with the activation of key markers associated with autophagy and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Neferine (Nef) demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) by targeting AR-positive cells.
- Nef's mechanism involves the induction of ROS, leading to autophagy and apoptosis, which combats the oncogenic characteristics of PCa.
- These findings suggest Neferine (Nef) could be a promising novel treatment option for prostate cancer with potentially reduced side effects, warranting further preclinical and clinical investigation.
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