Semi-synthetic sapogenin derivatives inhibit inflammation-induced tumorigenic signaling alterations in prostate carcinogenesis

Prostatic inflammation plays a pivotal role in prostate cancer development and progression via altering key cellular mechanisms, including proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Therefore, the use of antiinflammatory drugs could provide a valid contribution to PCa prevention and treatment. In our research, we explored semi-synthetic derivatives of cycloastragenol (CA) and astragenol (AG) to assess their potential to inhibit inflammation-mediated tumorigenic signaling.

Building on our previous findings, which demonstrated their inhibitory activity on NFxB, we discovered that these molecules also suppress inflammation-induced cell proliferation and migration through distinct mechanisms. They effectively alleviated inflammation by reducing levels of ROS, NO, and VEGF expression. Furthermore, these molecules partially restored the expression of AR and the tumor suppressor NKX3.1, both of which are critical in prostate tumorigenesis within an inflammatory microenvironment. They also reversed inflammation-induced activation of Akt and beta-catenin signaling, suggesting their potential to inhibit inflammation-related prostate tumorigenesis. Our study further demonstrated that these molecules exhibited dose-dependent effects on inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as evidenced by increased p21 and decreased BCL-2 protein levels, leading to activated cell death and suppressed cellular migration.

In conclusion, these semi-synthetic sapogenol derivatives demonstrate significant potential as antiinflammatory and anticancer agents, offering a promising approach for targeting prostatic inflammation and inflammation-driven prostate carcinogenesis.