Induction of Autophagic Cell Death by Thymoquinone in Docetaxel Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

Aim: Acquired docetaxel (DOC) resistance of prostate cancer (PCa) is still a clinical problem. In addition to failure in chemotherapy treatment, it causes tumor recurrence. Therefore, novel and more effective compounds are needed DOC-resistant PCa treatment. This study aimed investigate the possible cytotoxic cell death-inducing activities thymoquinone (TQ), one main active components Nigella sativa L., on cells. Material Methods: PC3 cells (DOC-R/PC3) were developed by continuous culture with increment concentrations DOC (1-10 nM) until they improved their growth division abilities. The viability was determined MTT assay. MuseTM Annexin V & Dead Cell kit performed detect apoptotic death. Autophagic vacuoles observed staining autophagic vacuoles. levels LC3I, LC3II Beclin-1 proteins investigated via western blot analysis. Results: TQ inhibited DOC-R/PC3 dose- time-dependent manner (p=0.014). IC50 value for calculated as 60 µM at 72 h. Treatment did not induce death but induced formation Moreover, LC3-II protein increased TQ-treated cells, however, LC3-I decreased Conclusion: All these results show that may become new therapeutic target future.