Polyamine analogues of propanediamine series inhibit prostate tumor cell growth and activate the polyamine catabolic pathway

Background/Aim. Polyamines are important for the growth of eukaryotic cells. At high levels, they promote proliferation, invasion and migration of tumour cells. Polyamine metabolism is an important new target for anticancer therapy. Some polyamine analogues can have an inhibitory effect on tumour cells. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of certain butylated derivatives of propanediamine for prostate cancer chemotherapy. Materials and Methods. Human prostate cancer cells, LNCaP, were used for the evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of polyamine analogs and their influence on spermine oxidase. Results. Tetrabutyl propanediamine and two new polyamine analogues inhibited the growth of LNCaP cells. At the same time, a strong activation of spermine oxidase was observed. Conclusion. The investigated compounds demonstrated their potential value in the therapy of human prostate cancer. Their effect might be attributed to the activation of the polyamine catabolic pathway. © 2020 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.