Therapeutic activity of 3,3′-diindolylmethane on prostate cancer in an in vivo model

• Published in: The Prostate Vol. 61; no. 2; pp. 153 - 160
• Main Authors: Nachshon-Kedmi, Maya, Fares, Fuad A., Yannai, Shmuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.10.2004; Wiley-Liss
• Subjects: 3,3′‐diindolylmethane; 3′-diindolylmethane; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; apoptosis; Apoptosis - drug effects; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Division - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; in vivo; Indoles - pharmacology; Male; Male genital diseases; Medical sciences; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Models, Animal; Neoplasm Transplantation; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; prostate cancer; Prostatic Neoplasms - drug therapy; Prostatic Neoplasms - physiopathology; TRAMP-C2 cell lines; Tumors; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Andrology; 3,3'-diindolylmethane; Nephrology; TRAMP-C2 cell lines; Urinary system disease; Prostate disease; Gynecology; Malignant tumor; In vivo; Cell line; Treatment; Models; Male genital diseases; Prostate cancer; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 0270-4137; 1097-0045
• DOI: 10.1002/pros.20092

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cancer‐related death in men in Western countries. Hence, efficient anti‐carcinogenic and therapeutic compounds against PC are badly needed. We have previously shown that 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM) has a suppressive effect on the growth of human breast and PC cell lines. The objective of this study was examination of the potential therapeutic effects of DIM in an in vivo model. METHODS TRAMP‐C2, a mouse PC cell line, was injected into the flank of male C57BL/6 mice. When tumors appeared, mice were injected intraperitoneally with either corn oil (vehicle) or DIM (2.5, 5, or 10 mg per kg body weight) 3‐times a week, for 3 weeks, and tumor volumes were measured bi‐weekly with calibermeters. Later, the tumors were removed, their final weights and volumes were measured, and tumor sections were tested for histological studies. RESULTS DIM had a significant inhibitory effect, caused by diminished tumor growth. Histological examination of tumors from treated groups revealed apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation, compared with the controls. DIM didn't affect body weights or kidney and liver functioning. CONCLUSIONS The inhibitory action of DIM on tumor growth was demonstrated in vivo. Hence, this compound at the concentrations tested may offer an effective and non toxic therapeutic means against tumor growth in rodents, and may serve as a potential natural anti‐carconigenic compound in humans. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.