Chikusetsu saponin IVA induces apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell line (BPH-1) by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

Purpose: To determine the potential effect of Chikusetsu saponin IVA (CS-IVA) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as the mechanism of action.Methods: Benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell response to treatment by CS-IVA was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation assay, and cell cycle analysis. Flow cytometry and immunoblot assay were used to assess the effect of CS-IVA on cell apoptosis. Mitochondrial damage was examined by JC-1 staining and immunoblot, while immunoblot assay was also performed to determine the effect of CS-IVA on JAK/STAT3 pathway.Results: CS-IVA inhibited the growth and cycle progression of BPH-1 cell but promoted cell apoptosis (p < 0.01). It also exacerbated mitochondrial damage in BPH-1 cell lines (p < 0.01). With regard to the mechanism of action, CS-IVA inhibited JAK/STAT3 pathway in BPH-1 cells (p < 0.01).Conclusion: CS-IVA induces apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of BPH-1 cells by inhibiting JAK/STAT3 pathway, and thus it is a potential drug for the treatment of BPH. However, in vivo studies on the effect of CS-IVA are are required to validate these results