Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have potent antitumor activity against prostate cancer cells through the upregulation of miR-16.

This research aimed to examine the antitumor mechanisms of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) specifically against prostate cancers.

The antitumor activities of SeNPs against cancer cells were determined via MTT assay. The cell cycle was determined by detecting the DNA content, and apoptosis was determined via annexin V-Fluos staining kit. The microRNA expressions in cancer cells were analyzed via microarray and qRT-PCR. The potential targets of miR-16 were identified via luciferase analysis and mRNA expression determination. miR-16 functions in cancer cells were explored via the transient transfection of miR-16 mimic or inhibitor.

SeNPs were most potent in prostate cancer cells, regardless of whether or not they were androgen-dependent. Furthermore, SeNP stimulation can induce cell cycle arrest and the apoptosis enhancement of prostate cancer cells. Microarray and molecular mechanism studies demonstrated that miR-16 could directly target cyclin D1 and BCL-2 to mediate SeNP apoptosis enhancement. Results show that the serum selenium levels positively correlate with miR-16 expressions, and they correlate with the overall and disease-free survival rates.

These results signify the cytotoxic potential of SeNPs in prostate cancer treatment.

World journal of surgical oncology. 2020 May 01*** epublish ***

Guolong Liao, Jiani Tang, Di Wang, Haoru Zuo, Qi Zhang, Ying Liu, Haiyun Xiong

Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China., Department of Clinical Laboratory, PLA 309 Hospital, Beijing, China., Department of Surgery Anesthesia Center, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China., Department of Urology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China. .