Growth, Proliferation and Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Cells Is Blocked by Low-Dose Curcumin in Combination with Light Irradiation.

Felix K.-H Chun,Stefan Kippenberger,August Bernd,Eva Juengel,Nadja Zöller,Jochen Rutz,Aicha Benchellal,Wajdi Kassabra,Sebastian Maxeiner,Roman A Blaheta

doi:10.3390/ijms22189966

Felix K.-H Chun, Stefan Kippenberger + Show 8 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22189966

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Abstract

Although anti-cancer properties of the natural compound curcumin have been reported, low absorption and rapid metabolisation limit clinical use. The present study investigated whether irradiation with visible light may enhance the inhibitory effects of low-dosed curcumin on prostate cancer cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis in vitro. DU145 and PC3 cells were incubated with low-dosed curcumin (0.1–0.4 µg/mL) and subsequently irradiated with 1.65 J/cm2 visible light for 5 min. Controls remained untreated and/or non-irradiated. Cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and chemotaxis were evaluated, as was cell cycle regulating protein expression (CDK, Cyclins), and integrins of the α- and β-family. Curcumin or light alone did not cause any significant effects on tumor growth, proliferation, or metastasis. However, curcumin combined with light irradiation significantly suppressed tumor growth, adhesion, and migration. Phosphorylation of CDK1 decreased and expression of the counter-receptors cyclin A and B was diminished. Integrin α and β subtypes were also reduced, compared to controls. Irradiation distinctly enhances the anti-tumor potential of curcumin in vitro and may hold promise in treating prostate cancer.

Highlights

Strong side effects and resistance development that inevitably occurs with conventional treatment lead many tumor patients to turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
Curcumin application at all three dosages combined with exposure to visible light (5 min at 1.65 J/cm2 )
0.2 μg/mL was chosen for all further experimentation since both PC3 and DU145 cells were 3 of 17

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1,414,259 new cases and. 375,304 recorded deaths worldwide in 2020 [1]. Standard treatment options depend on the tumor stage and include surgery, androgen deprivation therapy, radio-, chemo-, or immuno-therapy. Once the tumor has spread outside the prostate, the disease is difficult to treat with no curative option. Strong side effects and resistance development that inevitably occurs with conventional treatment lead many tumor patients to turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Up to 50% of cancer patients worldwide use CAM for all cancer [2], hoping to stop tumor growth, prolong survival, or even cure their disease [3]

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