Inhibitory effects and mechanisms of baicalein on the proliferation and invasion of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells

YANG Ning; WANG Ling; LUO Zhi-gang

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effects of baicalein on the proliferation and invasion of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells and its molecular mechanisms.Methods Human prostate cancer PC-3 cells were cultured in vitro, and inoculated with 20 μL culture solution ( control group) , dehydrated alcohol ( vehicle group) , and baicalein solution (100 and 200 μmol/L) for 48 h, respectively.The MTT method was used to analyze the proliferative ability of PC-3 cells.The cellular invasion was measured by using Trans-well invasion experiment.Ezrin mRNA expression was exam-ined by real-time quantitative PCR.Western blotting was carried out to measure the expression of ezrin, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.In addition, apoptosis rate was determined by TUNEL assay.Results After treatment of baicalein solution, the inhibitory rate of cellular proliferation, apoptosis rate and Bax protein expression levels were significantly increased in dose-dependent manner, while permeated membrane cell count, and the levels of Ezrin and Bcl-2 protein expression were significantly reduced in dose-dependent manner (P<0.01).There was no significant difference in these indicators be-tween vehicle and control groups (P>0.05).Conclusion Baicalein shows an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and invasion of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.The mechanisms may be involved in down-regulation of Ezrin protein and promotion of cell apoptosis.