Beneficial effects of genistein in suppression of proliferation, inhibition of metastasis, and induction of apoptosis in PC3 prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Objectives Beneficial effects of genistein have been studied in various cancer types but the underlying molecular mechanisms of its actions have not been well established. This study investigated the effects of genistein on caspase-3 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) as main cellular signalling targets in PC3 prostate cancer cells. Methods Caspase-3 and p38MAPK gene expression and intracellular protein levels were determined. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) gelatinase activity and caspase-3 enzyme activity were measured and PC3 cell migration and proliferation potencies were assessed. Results Genistein induced apoptosis by enhancing the gene expression, intracellular protein level, and enzyme activity of caspase-3. Genistein also inhibited cell proliferation by reducing p38MAPK gene expression and protein level and strongly suppressed metastatic potency of PC3 cells by reducing MMP2 activity. Conclusion Genistein exhibits its beneficial anticancer properties on PC3 cells by reducing metastatic potency and regulating caspase-3 and p38MAPK pathways at different transcriptional and protein levels.