Methylsulfonylmethane (organic sulfur) induces apoptosis and decreases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells

Publication date: Available online 10 October 2018Source: Environmental Toxicology and PharmacologyAuthor(s): Karolina Kowalska, Dominika Ewa Habrowska-Górczyńska, Kamila Domińska, Kinga Anna Urbanek, Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-CiesielskaAbstractA major challenge in the management of prostate cancer (PC) is to limit tumor growth and metastases. Targeted therapies applying natural compounds might be potentially useful in PC treatment. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as organic sulfur, is a dietary supplement used for various clinical purposes, mostly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the effect of MSM on PC cells LNCaP, PC3 and DU-145, which represent different in vitro models of PC. We observed that MSM decreases the viability and invasiveness of PC cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Moreover, MSM in a low dose (200 mM) is able to reduce the migration and invasion of PC cells. Considering the low overall body toxicity and insignificant side effects of MSM, its apoptosis-inducing properties might be used in PC treatment in the future.Graphical abstract
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research