Chemopreventive effect of quercetin, a natural dietary flavonoid on prostate cancer in in vivo model

Background & aim: Prostate cancer is one of the frequently diagnosed cancers in men. Increased Growth factor IGF-1/IGF-1R axis activation mediated by both PI3K/Akt or RAF/MEK/ERK system and AR expression remains important in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Targeting such system by dietary agents quercetin in vivo model could aid its application in both treatment as well as prevention of prostate cancer. Methods: In our study the rats were divided into four groups; Group I: control (propylene glycol-vehicle), Group II: cancer-induced (MNU and Testosterone treated) rats, Group III: cancer-induced Quercetin (200 mg/kg body wt/orally) and Group IV: Quercetin (200 mg/kg body wt) thrice a week. After the treatment period rats were sacrificed and the ventral and dorsolateral prostate lobes were dissected. Results: Antioxidant enzymes and apoptotic proteins were significantly decreased in cancer-induced animal and upon quercetin supplement its level was increased. The IGFIR, AKT, AR, cell proliferative and anti-apoptotic proteins were increased in cancer-induced group whereas supplement of quercetin decreased its expression. Conclusions: Quercetin down regulates the cell survival, proliferative and anti-apoptotic proteins thereby prevents prostate cancer, by acting as a chemopreventive agent in preclinical model. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.