Abstract:
Objective This study aimed to observe the effects of thalidomide (THD) on the proliferation and apoptosis of pros tate cancer PC-3 cells, as well on the expression of the intercellular gap junction protein Cx43 in these cells in vitro.
Methods THI with different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) was given to PC-3 cells at the logarithmic growth phase for 24 and 48 A Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the growth rate among the medication groups with different THD concentrations and times of drug administration. The apoptosis rate was studied by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining wit flow cytometry. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Cx43 mRNA in the PC-3 cell, Western blot analysis was used to assay the expression of Cx43 protein in the cells.
Results 1) Below 25-100 μg/L, THD considerabl inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 cells in vitro. The inhibitory action was enhanced in a dose- and time-dependent manner. 2) The expression of Cx43 mRNA gene and its protein in the groups with PC-3 cells increased to different degrees in after treatment with THD various concentrations (P < 0.05).
Conclusion 1) THD has an antitumor activity in depressing the proliferation of PC-3 cells, therel: inducing cell apoptosis in vitro. 2) THD can increase the expression levels of Cx43 gene mRNA and protein, and promote the functional refreshment of gap junction intercellular communication in prostate cancer PC-3 cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.