Magnesium chloride is an effective therapeutic agent for prostate cancer

Abstract

Background: Reduced levels of magnesium can cause several diseases and increase cancer risk. Motivated by magnesium chloride's (MgCl2) non-toxicity, physiological importance, and beneficial clinical applications. This study aims to study its action mechanism and possible mechanical, molecular, and physiological effects in prostate cancer with different metastatic potentials. Methods: We examined the effects of MgCl2, after 24 and 48 hours, on apoptosis, cell migration, expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and V-H+-ATPase, myosin II (NMII) and the transcription factor NF Kappa B (NFkB) expressions. Results: MgCl2induces apoptosis, and significantly decreases migration speed in cancer cells with different metastatic potentials. MgCl2reduces the expression of V-H+-ATPase and myosin II that facilitates invasion and metastasis, suppresses the expression of vimentin and increases expression of E-cadherin, suggesting a role of MgCl2in reversing the EMT. MgCl2also significantly increases the chromatin condensation and decreases NFkB expression. Conclusions: These results suggest a promising preventive and therapeutic role of MgCl2for prostate cancer. Further studies should explore extending MgCl2therapy to in vivo studies and other cancer types.