Epigallocatechin-3-gallate affects the growth of LNCaP cells via membrane fluidity and distribution of cellular zinc.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the viability, membrane properties, and zinc distribution, with and without the presence of Zn(2+), in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells.


METHODS
We examined changes in cellular morphology and membrane fluidity of LNCaP cells, distribution of cellular zinc, and the incorporated portion of EGCG after treatments with EGCG, Zn(2+), and EGCG+Zn(2+).


RESULTS
We observed an alteration in cellular morphology and a decrease in membrane fluidity of LNCaP cells after treatment with EGCG or Zn(2+). The proportion of EGCG incorporated into liposomes treated with the mixture of EGCG and Zn(2+) at the ratio of 1:1 was 90.57%, which was significantly higher than that treated with EGCG alone (30.33%). Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies and determination of fatty acids showed that the effects of EGCG on the membrane fluidity of LNCaP were decreased by Zn(2+). EGCG accelerated the accumulation of zinc in the mitochondria and cytosol as observed by atomic absorption spectrometer.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that EGCG interacted with cell membrane, decreased the membrane fluidity of LNCaP cells, and accelerated zinc accumulation in the mitochondria and cytosol, which could be the mechanism by which EGCG inhibits proliferation of LNCaP cells. In addition, high concentrations of Zn(2+) could attenuate the actions elicited by EGCG.
Yang
Jun-guo
JG
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China.
Yu
Hai-ning
HN
Sun
Shi-li
SL
Zhang
Lan-cui
LC
He
Guo-qing
GQ
Das
Undurti N
UN
Ruan
Hui
H
Shen
Sheng-rong
SR
D002392:Catechin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008560:Membrane Fluidity / Q000187:drug effects*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D002392:Catechin; C045651:epigallocatechin gallate; D015032:Zinc