Investigating the synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing effects of eugenol derivatives in combination with docetaxel on PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in developed countries. Research indicates that conventional chemotherapy is often accompanied by drug resistance and significant side effects. One promising strategy to overcome these challenges is to increase tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy by utilizing non-toxic natural compounds. This study, for the first time, evaluates the synergistic effects of new synthesized eugenol derivatives combined with docetaxel on PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Cell viability and apoptosis induction in PC3 cells were assessed after treatment with synthetic eugenol derivatives alone or in combination with docetaxel, using the Alamar Blue assay and flow cytometry with FITC/Annexin V-PI, respectively. Additionally, the effects of monotherapy and combination therapy on the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis process, including BAX and BCL-2, were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The findings demonstrated that synthetic eugenol derivatives significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of docetaxel on PC3 cell survival was enhanced when combined with eugenol derivatives. This combination treatment enhanced apoptosis in the cells, as indicated by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2. This study demonstrated that synthetic eugenol derivatives potentiated the effects of docetaxel in prostate cancer cells. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to better understand its clinical advantages in prostate cancer therapy.