Effects of Melittin on apoptosis of prostate cancer cell PC-3

Objective To study the effects of Melittin (Mel) on apoptosis of prostate cancer cell PC-3 and explore its potential mechanism. Methods Blank control Group and Mel groups of different concentrations were set up in this study. Cell proliferation was analyzed by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was measured by Hoechst 33258 dying method. The expressions of p27and p53were detected by RT-qPCR, and their protein expressions were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with those of the controls, cell proliferation (OD value) decreased and apoptosis increased significantly in Mel groups of 4, 8, 16, 32μg/mL after 24, 48 and 72 h treatment. After 48h treatment, the expressions of p27 andp53 mRNA were increased significantly, and protein expression of p53 and caspase3 were also increased. Conclusion Mel may induce PC-3 cell apoptosisby upregulation of p27, p53 and caspase3 expression.