Mikayla M Brockmeyer
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA
Title: Grapefruit as a possible radiosensitizer for prostate cancer
Biography
Biography: Mikayla M Brockmeyer
Abstract
Background: Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common cancer diagnosis excluding melanoma in men living in the US Grapefruit extract contains active compounds known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anticancer properties. Previously, our lab has published research on proposed molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and IL-37 as phytochemical and cytokine radiosensitizers of prostate cancer, respectively; however, there are no data on the anticancer effects of grapefruit extract on prostate cancer to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grapefruit extract and radiotherapy on the cell proliferation, survival, and cell death, using the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line.
Material and Methods: Clonogenic assay, PCNA staining, Quick Cell Proliferation assay, TUNEL staining, and caspase-3 activity assay was used to investigate the role of grapefruit extract in human prostate cancer growth, survival, and cell death. PC-3, a widely characterized cell line, was used in these experiments. We further investigated the possible molecular mechanisms using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining.
Results: Exogenous administration of grapefruit extract in combination with radiation treatment resulted in a decrease in the percentage of colonies of PC-3 cells. This finding correlated with the increased measurement of caspase-3 activity by a caspaseâ€3/CPP32 colorimetric assay kit. The anti-proliferative effect of GE and RT is currently under investigation, in addition to the increase in pro-apoptotic effect in PC-3 cells.
Conclusion: These results suggest a role for exogenous grapefruit extract as a radiosensitizer for prostate cancer, which may lead to a promising new avenue for enhancing current therapeutic options.