Alisol B acetate, a triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma, induces Bax nuclear translocation and apoptosis in human hormone-resistant prostate cancer PC-3 cells.

The anti-tumor potential of components from Chinese herbal medicines has been greatly concerned. Alisol B acetate, a triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma, induced apoptotic cell death in human hormone-resistant prostate cancer PC-3 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. A good correlation between loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptotic cell death was apparent indicating the participation of mitochondria-related mechanism. Alisol B acetate induced Bax up-regulation and nuclear translocation; it also induced the activation of initiator caspase-8 and caspase-9, and executor caspase-3, suggesting the involvement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Taken together, it is suggested that alisol B acetate induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells via a mitochondria-mediated mechanism with activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3. Furthermore, the Bax activation and translocation from the cytosol to nucleus might be a crucial response to the apoptotic effect.