Growth inhibition of prostate cell lines in vitro by phyto-oestrogens.
OBJECTIVE
To assess a range of phyto-oestrogens as moderators of growth and metabolism in several prostate cell lines.


METHODS
Four prostate cell lines (PNT-1/A, PNT-2, PC-3 and DU145) were challenged with different doses of five phyto-oestrogens (biochanin A, daidzein, genistein, genistin and nordihydroguaiaretic acid) over 3 days in culture. Cell proliferation was assessed by incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and metabolic activity by cleavage of a tetrazolium salt (XTT).


RESULTS
Growth and metabolism were inhibited with all compounds and cell lines (e.g. the dose for 50% inhibition of proliferation of PC-3 cells by genistein was 38 micromol/L); differences in the patterns of results suggested that different mechanisms operated, but there was no evidence for any synergistic activity on the inhibition of cell proliferation.


CONCLUSIONS
These results offer further support for the hypothesized role of phyto-oestrogens as dietary protectors against prostatic cancer.
Hempstock
J
J
Department of Urology, University Hospital of South Manchester, Withington, Manchester, UK.
Kavanagh
J P
JP
George
N J
NJ
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line / Q000187:drug effects; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008297:Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations