Cordyceps sinensis Promotes the Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells |
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| Authors: | Ming-wei Ma Hong-liang Yu Xin Qi Shao-qian Sun Dian Wang |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China;2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital &3. Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliate Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China;4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
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| Abstract: | Background: This study aims to test whether Cordyceps sinensis (CS), the most expensive Asian nutrient supplement might stimulate growth of prostate cancer cells. Methods: Impact of CS on growth of prostate cancer was determined in vivo and in vitro.Results: Firstly, the serum testosterone level was significantly elevated in mice fed CS. Prostate glands were significantly enlarged (weight index 0.53?±?0.04?mg/g vs. 0.31?±?0.04?mg/g, P?=?0.006). Furthermore, cell viability was increased twofold in the androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell line (VCaP) after CS treatment. This promoting effect disappeared after bicalutamide was added. In addition, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in mice bearing VCaP xenografts was significantly elevated (0.66?±?0.04?ng/ml vs. 0.26?±?0.06?ng/ml, P?<?0.001) after treatment with CS. Finally, VCaP tumors in mice treated with CS grew much faster (479.2?±?78.74?mm3 vs. 283?±?58.97?mm3, P?=?0.074). However, the above promoting effects of CS were not observed in parallel studies using the PC-3 cell line which lacks AR expression.Conclusions: These results suggest that CS promotes growth of prostate cancer cells by increasing production of testosterone and stimulating the AR-dependent pathway. Additional studies are required to see whether CS is safely consumed by patients with prostate cancer. |
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