Crab Shell Extract Induces Prostate Cancer Cell Line (LNcap) Apoptosis and Decreases Nitric Oxide Secretion

OBJECTIVE: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to have adverse side-effects, and natural compounds have been recommended for cancer treatment, nowadays. Crab shell has been shown to have cancer preventative and suppressive effects in vivo and in vitro. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of crab shell extract on prostate cancer cell line (LNcap) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, LNcap cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1000 µg/ml) of crab shell hydroalcoholic extract in three different culture periods (24, 48 and 72 hours). LNcap viability was evaluated by trypan blue staining and MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and nitric oxide (NO) secretion were determined by TUNEL and Griess assays, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: LNcap viability was decreased dose- and time-dependently. Thus 400, 800, and 1000 µg/ml doses showed significant differences compared to control group (P<0.001). Dose-dependent increase in the apoptotic index was also observed in 800 and 1000 µg/ ml concentrations (P<0.001). Nitric oxide secretion of LNcap cell was decreased time- and dose-dependently, while it was significant for 1000 µg/ml (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Crab shell extract showed anti-prostate cancer effect, by inducing cell apop- tosis and decreasing NO production.