The Plant Derived 3-3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) Behaves as CB 2 Receptor Agonist in Prostate Cancer Cellular Models.

3-3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a biologically active dimer derived from the endogenous conversion of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring glucosinolate found in many cruciferous vegetables (i.e., Brassicaceae ). DIM was the first pure androgen receptor antagonist isolated from the Brassicaceae family and has been recently investigated for its potential pharmacological use in prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Interestingly, there is evidence that DIM can also interact with cannabinoid receptors. In this context, by considering the well-known involvement of the endocannabinoid system in prostate cancer, we have pharmacologically characterized the properties of DIM on both CB 1 and CB 2 cannabinoid receptors in two human prostate cancer cell lines: PC3 (androgen-independent/androgen receptor negative) and LNCaP (androgen-dependent). In the PC3 cell line, DIM was able to activate CB 2 receptors and potentially associated apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, although DIM was also able to activate CB 2 receptors in the LNCaP cell line, no apoptotic effects were observed. Our evidence confirms that DIM is a CB 2 receptor ligand and, moreover, it has a potential anti-proliferative effect on androgen-independent/androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells.