Dexamethasone suppresses DU145 cell proliferation and cell cycle through inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway and cyclin D1 expression

• 来源期刊: 亚洲男性学杂志（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2008,（4）
• 页码范围: 635-641
• 页数: 7页
• 语种: 英文

摘要

Aim: To determine the mechanisms of glucocorticoids in inhibiting advanced prostate cancer growth. Methods: The cell proliferation and cell cycle of prostate cancer DU145 cells following dexamethasone treatment were determined by proliferation assay and fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Western blot analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and expression of cyclin D1 in DU145 cells with or without glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction verified the expression of GR mRNA in DU145 cells. Results: Dexamethasone signifi- cantly inhibited DU145 cell proliferation at the G0/G1 phase. Western blot analysis showed a dramatic reduction of ERK1/2 activity and cyclin D1 expression in dexamethasone-treated cells. The decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in dexamethasone-treated cells was attenuated by GR blockade. Additionally, the effects of dexamethasone in inhibiting cyclin D1 expression were altered by GR blockade. Conclusion: Dexamethasone suppresses DU 145 cell prolifera- tion and cell cycle, and the underlying mechanisms are through the inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cyclin D1 expression. The inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression is attenuated by GR blockade, suggesting that GR regulates ERK1/2 and cyclin D 1 pathways. These observations suggest that dexamethasone has a potential clinical application in prostate cancer therapy. (Asian JAndrol 2008 Jul; 10: 635-641)