1. Cordyceps sinensis Promotes the Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells.
- Author
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Ma, Ming-wei, Gao, Xian-shu, Yu, Hong-liang, Qi, Xin, Sun, Shao-qian, and Wang, Dian
- Subjects
ANTIANDROGENS ,ANIMAL experimentation ,CELL lines ,DIETARY supplements ,FUNGI ,GENE expression ,MICE ,PROSTATE ,PROSTATE tumors ,TESTOSTERONE ,XENOGRAFTS ,PROSTATE-specific antigen ,CELL survival ,IN vitro studies ,IN vivo studies ,THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Background: This study aims to test whether Cordyceps sinensis (CS), the most expensive Asian nutrient supplement might stimulate growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods: Impact of CS on growth of prostate cancer was determined in vivo and in vitro. Results: Firstly, the serum testosterone level was significantly elevated in mice fed CS. Prostate glands were significantly enlarged (weight index 0.53 ± 0.04 mg/g vs. 0.31 ± 0.04 mg/g, P = 0.006). Furthermore, cell viability was increased twofold in the androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell line (VCaP) after CS treatment. This promoting effect disappeared after bicalutamide was added. In addition, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in mice bearing VCaP xenografts was significantly elevated (0.66 ± 0.04 ng/ml vs. 0.26 ± 0.06 ng/ml, P < 0.001) after treatment with CS. Finally, VCaP tumors in mice treated with CS grew much faster (479.2 ± 78.74 mm
3 vs. 283 ± 58.97 mm3 , P = 0.074). However, the above promoting effects of CS were not observed in parallel studies using the PC-3 cell line which lacks AR expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that CS promotes growth of prostate cancer cells by increasing production of testosterone and stimulating the AR-dependent pathway. Additional studies are required to see whether CS is safely consumed by patients with prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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