Asiaticoside reduces tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting prostate cancer stem cells in an acidic microenvironment

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors in men worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of tumors, and regulation of the acidic TME caused by insufficient tissue perfusion and tumor progression is an important strategy in cancer treatment. However, the effects of an acidic TME on PCa are unknown. In this study, we first examined the effects of an acidic TME on PCa through bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA database, and proposed a prognostic risk assessment model based on the acidic TME that could effectively predict the progression, metastasis and prognosis of PCa. Then, using cell proliferation, matrix adhesion, and Transwell migration and invasion assays, we showed that the acidic TME promoted PCa development and progression. Finally, we demonstrated that Asiaticoside, a traditional Chinese herb, may act as a potential drug to target and inhibit cancer stem cells (CSCs), thereby reducing tumor angiogenesis in PCa. Taken together, this study provided new perspective for the pathogenesis of PCa and highlighted a novel therapeutic strategy that targets PCa CSCs.