The Extract from Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Leaves Promotes Apoptosis and Impairs Metastasis in Prostate Cancer Cells

Objective To investigate the effects of pomegranate leaves extract(PLE)on proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of prostate cancer cells. Methods The proliferation of TRAMP-C1, DU145, PC3 prostate cancer cells treated with different concentrations of PLE (final mass concentrations were 12.5, 25, 50, 100,200 μg/mL, respectively) for different time (24, 48, 72 h) was detected by MTT assay. Colony formation assay was performed to verify the long-term effects of PLE on the proliferation of DU145 and PC3 cells.After being treated with PLE for 48 h, Hoechst-33258 staining was used to observe the changes in the nucleus, the cell apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry, and wound-healing migration assay was perform to test the change of migration. Results In comparison with the control group, PLE in the range of 12.5-200 μg/mL had a certain inhibitory effect on the proliferation of TRAMP-C1, DU145 and PC3 cells (P<0.05).In the range of 6.25-100 μg/mL, the number of colony formation of DU145 and PC3 was significantly reduced(P<0.01).After PLE treated for 48 h,the apoptotic features of nuclear fragmentation and the formation apoptotic body was observed in PC3. With the increase of concentration, the apoptotic rate increased gradually (P<0.05), and the ability of cells to migrate to the scratch area was significantly weaker than the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion PLE has effect on proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis of prostate cancer cells.