Abstract:

Objective      To observe autophagy of prostate cancer PC3 cells induced by valproic acid(VPA)and explore the possible mechanism. Methods        The prostate cancer PC3 cell line treated with VPA was used in this study. Cell survival rate was determined by cell counting kit8. Autophagosomes were observed under a transmission electronic microscope. The intensity of autophagy was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ and p-Akt were measured by Western blot after VPA treatment. Results      Viability of the prostate cancer PC3 cell line treated with acute VPA was not significantly inhibited in a short time(≤4d). Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed in the VPA-treated prostate cancer PC3 cell line under a transmission electronic microscope. Intensity of autophagy was in a time-dependent manner. Expression level of the related protein LC3-Ⅱwas elevated, while expression level of p-Akt declined following VPA treatment in the prostate cancer PC3 cell line. Conclusions      VPA may induce autophagy in the prostate cancer PC3 cell line. The mechanism may be related to the disruption of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Key words: Valproic acid; Prostate tumor; Autophagy