Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe(3)O(4) enhance docetaxel-induced prostate cancer cell death

Docetaxel (DTX) is one of the most important anticancer drugs; however, the severity of its adverse effects detracts from its practical use in the clinic. Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe(3)O(4) (MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4)) can enhance the delivery and efficacy of anticancer drugs. We investigated the effects of MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) or DTX alone, and in combination with prostate cancer cell growth in vitro, as well as with the mechanism underlying the cytotoxic effects. MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) caused dose-dependent increases in reactive oxygen species levels in DU145, PC-3, and LNCaP cells; 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels were also elevated. MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) alone reduced the viability of LNCaP and PC-3 cells; however, MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) enhanced the cytotoxic effect of a low dose of DTX in all three cell lines. MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) also augmented the percentage of DU145 cells undergoing apoptosis following treatment with low dose DTX. Expression of nuclear transcription factor κB in DU145 was not affected by MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4) or DTX alone; however, combined treatment suppressed nuclear transcription factor κB expression. These findings offer the possibility that MgNPs-Fe(3)O(4)–low dose DTX combination therapy may be effective in treating prostate cancer with limited adverse effects.