Momordica charantia Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation by Suppressing Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Caspase-9 Phosphorylation


Asta C., PASHAYEVA L., İMAMOĞLU ŞİRVANLI N. N., CUMAOĞLU A.

IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE, vol.47, no.5-6, pp.1487-1496, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 47 Issue: 5-6
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s40995-023-01546-z
  • Journal Name: IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1487-1496
  • Keywords: Momordica charantia, Caspase-9 phosphorylation, Dihydrotestosterone, Prostate cancer
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Momordica charantia is gaining popularity as a complementary medicine due to its high nutritional content and possibly anti-cancer properties. Here, we show how Momordica charantia seed extract (McSE) enhances growth inhibition and migration of LNCaP cells and the possible mechanisms of action responsible for these effects. McSE has been found to block both cell growth with an IC50 value of 36,3 mu g/mL and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced cell migration. The non-genomic signaling kinases ERK1/2 and AKT were activated by short-term (5 and 15-min) low concentrations (1 nM) of DHT, followed by the phosphorylation of caspase-9. Due to an increase in caspase-9 phosphorylation in cells, DHT caused a reduction in the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Treatment with McSE significantly reduced the activation of ERK1/2 and AKT and the phosphorylation of caspase-9. Further, the levels of cleaved caspase-3 increased because of treatment with McSE, and the morphology of the cells underwent typical apoptotic changes. The results show that McSE may be a source of newly discovered anti-cancer molecules for potential cancer drug development.