Arylamino-nor-b-lapachone derivative-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells: involvement of NAD(P)H :quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)

Abstract

b-lapachone, a DNA repair inhibitor, has been recognized as important prototype with activity against cancer cells devoided of cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells. NQO1 is a reductive enzyme that is important for the activation of many bioreductive quinones. Thus, differential levels of NQO1 in tissues, including tumors, can provide a target for an enzyme-directed approach to cancer therapy. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the role of NQO1 on the cytotoxicity of 3-arylamino-nor-b-lapachone derivative using the prostate DU-145 (NQO1-overexpressing) and LNCap (NQO1-deficient) cells.