Androgen Receptor (NR3C4) regulator potential of Ceratonia siliqua extract and its signaling pathways

Aim/Background: Androgen receptor (AR/NR3C4) regulates growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis. Since it has multifunctional properties, disrupting of the functions can cause many diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, AR modulators and blockers are very important therapy of androgen-dependent diseases. Furthermore, mechanisms and signaling pathways of AR on the diseases are unclear. Ceratonia siliqua was shown to have preventative effects against digestive system disorders, diabetes mellitus, asthma-bronchitis, and oxidative stress in various studies. Materials and Methods: In the present study, its AR regulator potential was investigated in AR-deficient HEK293 cells. Results: While C. siliqua extract increased >2 folds of NR3C4 gene expression in the cells, it induced a decrease in AKT1 and kynureninase genes expression levels. On the other hand, it increased p38 gene expression, but it did not change FUS gene expression. These results support a regulating role on the receptor and also that the compounds specifically affect NR3C4 signaling pathways. Conclusion: Determination of the molecules and their various combinations with each other can contribute to discover new therapeutic agents for diseases dependent on AR signaling pathways.