Antitumor activity of NMS-P937, specific small-molecule polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor, in PC3 human prostate cancer, HeLa cervical cancer, and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of NMS-P937, a specific small-molecule polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor, in PC3 human prostate cancer, HeLa cervical cancer, and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines. Methods: PC3, HeLa, and SKOV-3 cells were treated with NMS-P937 for 48 h. The viability was analyzed by XTT colorimetric assay, and since PC3 was found to be the most sensitive cell line, total oxidant status (TOS) values were evaluated in NMS-P937-treated and non-treated PC3 cells via TOS assay. Results: The proliferation of cancer cell lines was moderately inhibited by NMS-P937 in conjunction with the increase in concentration. The IC50 values of NMS-P937 in PC3, HeLa, and SKOV-3 cells were recorded as 27.3, 69.7, and 79.3 μM respectively, for 48 h. TOS was measured in control and NMS-P937-treated PC3 cells and calculated as 3.15±0.36 and 4.49±0.64, respectively, indicating the increased oxidative stress under the influence of the study compound (p=0.035). Conclusions: The PLK1 inhibitor NMS-P937 reduces the activity of cancer cell lines consisting of PC3 human prostate cancer, HeLa cervical cancer, and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer in a dose-dependent manner. This compound increases oxidative stress, and this may play a pivotal role in the cytotoxic activity of the compound in PC3 cells. However, there is still a need to carry out both in vitro and in vivo studies, including different cancer cell lines and tumor models, and to reveal the adverse effects that may develop.