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Abstract
Introduction. Introduction. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men worldwide. Current treatments, including docetaxel chemotherapy, often have limited efficacy and are associated with side effects. Berberine, a natural compound with established antitumor properties, has been shown to enhance the effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
Aim. To investigate the combined effect of berberine and docetaxel on the viability and proliferation of PCa cell lines PC-3, LNCaP, and DU-145 in vitro, and to assess the nature of their interaction (synergism, additivity, or antagonism).
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on PCa cell cultures. Cells were treated with various concentrations of berberine and docetaxel, both alone and in combination. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay after 24 and 72 hours of incubation. Drug interactions were analyzed using a linear interaction effect model, and coefficients of synergism, additivity, or antagonism were calculated. Statistical significance was determined by ANOVA and Tukey's test.
Results. The PC-3 cell line showed the highest sensitivity to berberine. The combination of berberine and docetaxel did not demonstrate a synergistic effect; interaction coefficients exceeded 1, indicating additive or antagonistic interactions, particularly at low berberine concentrations. No sensitization of cells to docetaxel was observed following pre-treatment with berberine. Mathematical analysis of the results indicated antagonism between the two compounds.
Conclusion. Berberine exhibits an antagonistic effect when combined with docetaxel in PC-3, LNCaP, and DU-145 PCa cell cultures.
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