[Xihuang Pills and its main components inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells in PC-3 tumor-bearing mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Xihuang Pills (XHP) and its main components on PI3K, AKT and mTOR signaling pathways and cell apoptosis of castration-resistant human PCa PC-3 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumors in nude mice. METHODS: We assigned 36 PC-3 tumor-bearing model mice to six groups of equal numbers to be treated with XHP, musk, calculus bovis (CB), musk + CB and docetaxel, respectively. After 14 days of intervention, we calculated the tumor-inhibition rate in different groups, observed the morphology of the tumor cells by HE staining, determined the levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR mRNA by RT-qPCR, and determined the expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR signaling pathways and caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins by Western blot. RESULTS: After 14 days of medication, the tumor-inhibition rates in the XHP, musk, CB, musk + CB and docetaxel groups were 29.67%, 5.52%, 7.26%, 12.88% and 6.26%, respectively. HE staining showed the formation of apoptotic bodies in the tumor tissues after intervention, especially in the XHP and musk + CB groups. The mRNA and phosphorylated protein expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01), and so were the expressions of caspase-3 and caspase-9 proteins in the XHP and musk + CB groups in comparison with the control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Xihuang Pills, musk and calculus bovis can inhibit the growth of castration-resistant human PCa PC-3 cell subcutaneously transplanted tumors, which is associated with their effects of suppressing the abnormally activated PI3K, Akt and mTOR signaling pathways and promoting the apoptosis of PCa PC3 cells.

[Clinical features and epidemiological trend of prostate cancer in the Changsha area of Hunan Province: Analysis of 2 877 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of PCa in the Changsha area of Hunan Province and provide some reference for the formulation of the strategies for the prevention and control of the malignancy. METHODS: We collected the data on the age, pathological type and TCM syndrome type of 2 877 PCa patients diagnosed and treated in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and the Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Research Institute of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. We analyzed the data obtained and the current prevalence and epidemiological trend of PCa. RESULTS: Of the total number of cases of PCa diagnosed and treated, there were 291 in 2010, 315 in 2011, 213 in 2012, 220 in 2013, 159 in 2014, 226 in 2015, 199 in 2016, 180 in 2017, 577 in 2018 and 497 in 2019. The age-related incidence rate was the lowest in the <40-year-olds (1.77%) and the highest in the 65- to 79-year-olds (18.4%). The incidence rate was increased year by year in the 65- to 79-year-olds, elevated to 63.9% in the 10 years, and most significantly in the ≥80-year-olds, soaring to 97.9% in the 10 years. As for the pathological types, prostatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) accounted for 50.1% (n = 1 441), acinar cell PAC 7.0% (n = 201), follicular PAC 1.29% (n = 37), ductal PCa 0.94% (n = 27), non-specific PCa 9.49% (n = 273), and other PACs 5.77% (n = 166). TCM syndrome differentiation was performed for 157 cases, which revealed kidney-yin deficiency in 40 cases (25.5%) and kidney-yang deficiency in 69 cases (43.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PCa from 2010 to 2019 showed an aging-related trend in the Changsha area of Hunan Province, the highest among 65- to 69-year-olds. Males aged 65－79 years are a high-risk population for PCa, which calls for strengthened health education, early diagnosis and early treatment.