Morphological changes to LNCaP cells subjected to treatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, thymoquinone, and tannic acid

Research studies on nutritional supplements and cancer risk has demonstrated that antioxidants and their derivatives play a major role in combating prostate cancer and reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men. It has been suggested that ample amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, selenium, and their constituents may be effective in decreasing both the risk and incidence of prostate cancer. Epidemiological studies have evaluated these agents in certain populations and in specific prostate cell lines to compare the risk reduction as well as the magnitude of risk reduction [1,2]. The aim of this study was to use the human LNCaP prostate cancer cell line to analyze the morphological effects of conventional treatment with low and high doses of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), thymoquinone (TQ), and tannic acid (TA) at 24, 48, and 72 hours. After 48 and 72 hours of incubation, the groups treated with the lower doses of EGCG, TQ, and TA revealed hyperchromatic, irregular, and fewer cells. Upon treatment with higher doses of EGCG and TQ, cells were also irregular and fewer in number after 48 and 72 hours of incubation. Overall findings of this study showed suppressed cell growth and cell number after conventional treatment with EGCG, TQ, and TA. This suppression may be due to disruptions in several cell-cycle checkpoints and the role of antioxidants along with their chemopreventive properties. Further research is needed in this era to assist with remedies for prostate cancer prevention. Keywords: antioxidants, prostate cancer, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, thymoquinone, tannic acid, LNCaP, treatment