Thymoquinone mediated modulation of key microRNAs in human prostatic adenocarcinoma cells and its therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent

Abstract

Worldwide, prostate cancer (PC) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in males. Studies have suggested that dietary compounds can play a role in preventing and inhibiting prostate cancer. Thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical found in black cumin, has demonstrated various pharmacological properties, including antineoplastic effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and significantly affect prostate cancer progression. This study aims to investigate the antiproliferative properties of TQ and its influence on significant microRNAs (miRNAs) in PC3 prostate cancer cells. PC3 cells were treated with different concentrations of TQ, and cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The treatment revealed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability with an IC50 of 55.83 μM. Subsequently, the expression levels of miR-34a-5p, miR-221-5p, miR-17-5p, and miR21-5p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. TQ treatment significantly upregulated expression levels of miR-34a-5p (4.45-fold increase, p<0.05), miR-221-5p (2.57-fold), miR-17-5p (11.85-fold), and miR21-5p (10.38-fold). Notably, the upregulation of miR-34a-5p highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for PC. These findings suggest that TQ possesses antiproliferative properties and can modulate miRNA expression in PC3 cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on miRNA profiles in prostate cancer. Further investigations are warranted to fully elucidate the role of TQ in miRNA-mediated prostate cancer pathogenesis.