(±)Equol inhibits invasion in prostate cancer DU145 cells possibly via down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator by antioxidant activity.

Exposure to soy isoflavones has been associated with low mortality of prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the effects of (±)equol and two representative isoflavones, daidzein and genistein, on migration and invasion in human prostate cancer DU145 cells. First of all, the three regents did not show significant growth inhibitive effect in DU145 cells until the treatments last for 72 h. Treatment with 5 µM, 10 µM, 50 µM (±)equol, 0.5 µM, 1 µM, 5 µM daidzein and genistein for 24 h decreased cell migration and invasion significantly. (±)equol activated phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten at protein level but not mRNA level, which activated antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2. A reduction of malondialdehyde concentration, the product of lipid per-oxidation, was observed as well. Moreover, matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, the crucial members in metastasis, were down-regulated. Overall, our data indicate that (±)equol, daidzein and genistein may have significant anti-invasion effect in DU145 cells (in vitro). The effects induced by (±)equol may relate to its anti-oxidant effect mediated by phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten.