Brevilin A shows an anti-tumor role in prostate cancer via the lncRNA H19/miR-194/E2F3 signaling pathway

Brevilin A, a natural sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Centipeda minima, has been found with antitumor properties. Our study probed the functions of Brevilin A in prostate cancer cells and the mechanisms among Brevilin A, lncRNA H19, miR-194, and E2F3 on the biological behaviors of the cells. CCK8, Transwell, and TUNEL staining assays examined the impact of Brevilin A on prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. qRT-PCR and western blot determined lncRNA H19, miR-194, and E2F3 profiles. The influence of Brevilin A on the profiles of lncRNA H19, miR-194, and E2F3 was measured. A xenograft model of prostate cancer nude mice was taken to confirm the impact of Brevilin A and lncRNA H19 on cancer cell growth. Consequently, Brevilin A dampened prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, suppressed the expressions of lncRNA H19 and E2F3, and enhanced miR-194 level. LncRNA H19 and E2F3 were uplifted, whereas miR-194 was abated in prostate cancer cells and tissues. LncRNA H19 targeted miR-194 to positively modulate E2F3 expression, boosted DU145 cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and curbed apoptosis. In the xenograft model, Brevilin A repressed tumor growth, whereas lncRNA H19 fostered tumor growth. Brevilin A suppressed the promotive effect of lncRNA H19 in PC cell growth in vivo. To conclude, Brevilin A modulates the biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells via the lncRNA H19/miR-194/E2F3 axis. Brevilin A exerts an anti-tumor function in prostate cancer.