Role of NF-KB in changing the expression of COX-2, P53 and Caspase-3, in PC-3 cells treated with curcumin

Cancer is a deadly disease and needs an effective treatment method. Various compounds have been explored to find a promising anti-tumor agent, particularly nutraceuticals since they are considered safe. New cancer treatment methods have employed molecules that alter gene expression.;Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) a nutraceutical, is a bright yellow phenolic compound derived from turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Cylooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p53 and caspase-3 are genes involved in cell growth and regulation and malfunction of these leading to tumorigenesis has been well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to understand the anti-cancer properties of curcumin and the molecular pathways involved.;Prostate cancer cells (PC3) were exposed to various concentrations of curcumin to investigate its effects. Curcumin inhibited the growth of PC3 cells in a time and dose dependent manner. PC3 cells exposed to curcumin were apoptotic with distinct nuclear and morphological changes. Curcumin synergistically alters the expression of the genes COX-2, p53 and Caspase-3 at transcriptional and translational levels. PC3 cells when exposed to an NF-kB inhibitor (BMS-345541) demonstrated similar results. COX-2, p53 and caspase-3 were affected simultaneously when NF-kB was inhibited. Results indicate Nf-kB could be a major molecule responsible in linking all these three pathways together. Curcumin could be inhibiting NF-kB directly or indirectly to produce the anti-tumor effects.