Suppression of NFκB and its Regulated Gene Products by Oral Administration of Green Tea Polyphenols in an Autochthonous Mouse Prostate Cancer Model

Purpose. This study examines the role of cell survival/apoptosis related proteins involved in NF kappa B signaling pathways and its associated events in GTP-induced chemoprevention of prostate cancer in TRAMP mice. Methods. Mice were given 0.1% GTP as drinking fluid. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis performed to examine NF kappa B and its regulated pathway in response to GTP. Results. Our data demonstrated increased expression of NF kappa B, IKK alpha, IKK beta, RANK, NIK and STAT-3 in dorso-lateral prostate of TRAMP mice as a function of age and tumor growth and continuous GTP infusion for 32 weeks resulted in substantial reduction in these proteins. The levels of transcription factor osteopontin, a non-collagenous extracellular matrix protein, were also downregulated. Inhibition of NF kappa B signaling is known to activate apoptotic and inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins. Therefore, we analyzed Bax and Bcl(2) levels in the dorsolateral prostate of TRAMP mice fed GTP and observed a shift in balance between Bax and Bcl(2) favoring apoptosis. Conclusions. Based on the data we suggest that oral consumption of GTP might inhibit osteopontin and NF kappa B signaling that may contribute to induction of apoptosis observed in GTP fed TRAMP mice.