A Finnish research group has identified the antibiotic monensin as a potent killer of prostate cancer cells. The antibiotic was shown to induce cell death (apoptosisAlso called programmed cell death. Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs throughout the lives of almost all animals and plants. The death of the cells is a carefully controlled process that does not generate any inflammation.) of cancer cells but not normal cells. The antibiotic seems to work in several ways to target the cells. Treatments induced oxidative stress and DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. damage in the cells and also inhibited the production of a receptor needed for the prostate cells to respond to androgens like testosteroneTestosterone is the main male sex hormone and is responsible for the generation of the secondary sex characteristics. The hormone is produced in male testes and is normally found to a much lesser extent in females.. Monensin has been used for years by ranchers to increase muscle mass in cattle and should have few side-effects if used to treat cancer in humans.
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