Mechanisms of Chinese Red Yeast Rice Inhibition of Prostate Cancer Growth
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. Early prostate cancer is androgen-dependent, but in later stages of the disease androgen-independent tumors arise with an eventual fatal outcome. Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is a traditional food spice consumed throughout Asia and contains a family of monacolins, one of which (monacolin K) is identical to lovastatin, with the ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. The objective of the study was to determine whether RYR can inhibit the growth of androgen-dependent and -independent prostate tumors in xenograft and to determine the underlying mechanisms. The study showed that RYR inhibited both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent xenograft prostate tumor volume by downregulation of gene expression involved in androgen synthesis (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 and steroid 5alpha reductase type 1) and de novo cholesterol synthesizing enzyme (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl CoA reductase) and its response element (sterol response element binding protein-2). RYR also reduced androgen receptor gene expression in androgenindependent xenograft. Currently, gene profile as a function of RYR diet is examined in microarray analysis. This study would establish a proof of principle that would strengthen the biological basis for human trials of RYR extract.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502738
Entities
People
- Mee Y. Hong
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles