Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used as hypertensive therapeutic agent. Recent studies have reported that ARBs have the potential to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer (PC) cells. Moreover, it was recently reported that Telmisartan (a kind of ARB) has peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ activation. We previously reported that PPAR-γ ligand induces growth arrest of PC cells through apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the Telmisartan and other ARBs on cell proliferation in several PC cell lines. We used normal prostate stromal cell (NPC), human hormone-refractory PC (PC3), androgen-independent PC (DU-145) and androgen-dependent PC (LNCaP) cell lines. Effects of Telmisartan and other ARBs (Candesartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan and Losartan) on PC cell growth were examined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining were used to determine whether or not ARBs induce apoptosis. Telmisartan caused marked inhibition of PC cells in concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. PC cells with treatment of 100 µM Telmisartan induced early apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. However, NPC with treatment of 100 µM Telmisartan did not induce apoptosis or DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, other ARBs had no effect on cell proliferation in the PC cells and NPC. Telmisartan may mediate potent antiproliferative effects against PC cells through PPAR-γ. Thus, Telmisartan is a potent target for prevention and treatment in PC.

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