Caffeic acid impedes the proliferation and migration of human prostate cancer through the suppression of STAT-3/ CDKs signaling axis

Abstract Caffeic acid (CA) is considered a promising phytochemical that has inhibited numerous cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, it is gaining increasing attention due to its safe and pharmacological applications. In this study, we investigated the role of CA in inhibiting the STAT-3 phosphorylation-mediated suppression of the proliferation of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The role of CA in proliferation and colony formation abilities was studied using MTT and colony formation assays. Tumour cell death and cell cycle arrest were identified using flow cytometry techniques. Migration and invasion assays detected the CA-mediated weakening of the respective abilities. The STAT3-related protein and MAPK mRNA expression levels, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis in PC-3 cells were measured using Western blot and RT-PCR investigations, respectively. Treatment with CA inhibits PC-3 from proliferating and reduces STAT3 levels. The CA treatment reduced the PC-3 cell proliferation, enhanced the apoptosis rate, and reduced their capacity for migration and invasion. CA also decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting proliferation and anti-apoptotic proteins in PC-3 cells. CA also prevents prostate cancer cells from expressing cell cycle regulating protein expressions in PC-3 cells. Thus, CA might act as a therapeutical application against prostate cancer by targeting the STAT3 signaling axis.