Regulation of cell growth by selective COX-2 inhibitors in oral carcinoma cell lines

Head and neck cancer and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective was to assess the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on head and neck cancer (HNC) outcomes. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register databases were searched. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed with the RevMan software. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Quality scores for observational studies ranged between 5 and 8 stars and the RCT was assessed as high risk of bias. NSAIDs use was associated with a 13% risk reduction of HNC (OR: 0.87 95% CI 0.77-0.99). NSAIDs use was associated with a 30% reduced cancer-specific mortality and with a 40% decreased risk on disease-recurrence. NSAIDs may have a modest protective effect on HNC risk and a positive impact on cancer-specific survival and disease-recurrence. The findings do not support a protective role of aspirin on HNC outcomes.

Upregulated NPM1 is an independent biomarker to predict progression and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinomas in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Nucleophosmin/nucleoplasmin family 1 (NPM1) has broad physiological functions, such as DNA replication, transcription, ribosome biogenesis, and centrosome replication. This study explored the clinicopathological importance of NPM1 as a prognostic marker for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

We collected specimens from 96 OSCC, 45 oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and 29 normal oral mucosa (NOM). NPM1 expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Correlations between NPM1and clinical parameters were analyzed using Student t test, chi-squared test, and Kaplan-Meier product-limit method.

RESULTS

The NPM1 labeling indices (LIs) were significantly higher in OSCCs than in NOM and oral OED. Higher NPM1 expression was significantly correlated with larger tumor size, nodal metastasis, and advanced clinical stage. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher NPM1 LIs were an unfavorable independent factor for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulated NPM1 is an independent biomarker of poor prognosis and NPM1 inhibitors may be promising in molecular targeted therapy against OSCC.

Orofacial Pain in Cancer: Part I—Mechanisms

The mechanisms involved, and possible treatment targets, in orofacial pain due to cancer are poorly understood. The aim of the first of this two-part series is to review the involved pathophysiological mechanisms and explore their possible roles in the orofacial region. However, there is a lack of relevant research in the trigeminal region, and we have therefore applied data accumulated from experiments on cancer pain mechanisms in rodent spinal models. In the second part, we review the clinical presentation of cancer-associated orofacial pain at various stages: initial diagnosis, during therapy (chemo-, radiotherapy, surgery), and in the post-therapy period. In the present article, we provide a brief outline of trigeminal functional neuro-anatomy and pain-modulatory pathways. Tissue destruction by invasive tumors (or metastases) induces inflammation and nerve damage, with attendant acute pain. In some cases, chronic pain, involving inflammatory and neuropathic mechanisms, may ensue. Distant, painful effects of tumors include paraneoplastic neuropathic syndromes and effects secondary to the release of factors by the tumor (growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes). Additionally, pain is frequent in cancer management protocols (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy). Understanding the mechanisms involved in cancer-related orofacial pain will enhance patient management.

COX-2 rs689466, rs5275, and rs20417 polymorphisms and risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of adjusted and unadjusted data

BACKGROUND

Numerous case-control studies have been performed to investigate the association between three cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) polymorphisms (rs20417 (-765G > C), rs689466 (-1195G > A), and rs5275 (8473 T > C)) and the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the results were inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association.

METHODS

We searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 20, 2015 (last updated on May 12, 2016). Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Odds ratios (ORs) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association. All statistical analyses were performed using the Review Manager (RevMan) 5.2 software.

RESULTS

Finally 8 case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. For unadjusted data, an association with increased risk was observed in three genetic models in COX-2 rs689466 polymorphism; however, COX-2 rs5275 and rs20417 polymorphisms were not related to HNSCC risk in this study. The pooled results from adjusted data all revealed non-significant association between these three polymorphisms and risk of HNSCC. We also found a similar result in the subgroup analyses, based on both unadjusted data and adjusted data.

CONCLUSION

Current results suggest that COX-2 rs689466, rs5275, and rs20417 polymorphisms are not associated with HNSCC. Further large and well-designed studies are necessary to validate this association.

[3 + 2] cycloaddition and subsequent oxidative dehydrogenation between alkenes and diazo compounds: a simple and direct approach to pyrazoles using TBAI/TBHP

Herein, an efficient [3 + 2] cycloaddition and oxidative dehydrogenation reaction of diazo compounds and alkenes was well developed using TBAI/TBHP, leading to pyrazoles with moderate to high yields.

Potent anti-proliferative effects against oral and cervical cancers of Thai medicinal plants selected from the Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipe database "MANOSROI III"

CONTEXT

Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipes have been used for the treatment of several diseases including oral and cervical cancers.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate anti-proliferative activity on human cervical (HeLa) and oral (KB) cancer cell lines of medicinal plants selected from Thai/Lanna medicinal plant recipe database "MANOSROI III".

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three methanolic plant crude extracts were tested for phytochemicals and anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines for 24 h by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay at the doses of 1 × 10(1)-1 × 10(-6 )mg/ml. The nine extracts with the concentrations giving 50% growth inhibition (GI50) lower than 100 µg/ml were further semi-purified by liquid/liquid partition in order to evaluate and enhance the anti-proliferative potency.

RESULTS

All extracts contained steroids/triterpenoids, but not xanthones. The methanolic extracts of Gloriosa superba L. (Colchinaceae) root and Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) wood gave the highest anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines with the GI50 values of 0.91 (6.0- and 0.31-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin) and 0.16 µg/ml (28.78- and 82.29-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin), respectively. Hexane and methanol-water fractions of G. superba exhibited the highest anti-proliferative activity on HeLa and KB cell lines with the GI50 values of 0.15 (37- and 1.9-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin) and 0.058 µg/ml (77.45- and 221.46-fold of cisplatin and doxorubicin), respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated the potential of plants selected from MANOSROI III database especially G. superba and A. chinensis for further development as anti-oral and cervical cancer agents.

Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor during and after radiotherapy in combination with celecoxib in patients with advanced head and neck cancer

Celebrex and radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer. This phase I dose-escalation study seeks to determine the phase II recommended dose of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) inhibitor in patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck (H&N) cancer, treated with accelerated radiotherapy. Anti-vasculogenic effect of this treatment on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is examined. Patients were irradiated with curative intent (72Gy in 6weeks). Celecoxib was administered throughout the radiotherapy course. Serum VEGF level were tested during radiotherapy and in follow-up. Tumor specimens were stained to quantify the COX-2 expression. Thirty-two patients completed the treatment. The dose of celecoxib was escalated (200, 400 and 800mg bid, then de-escalated to 600mg bid). The acute toxicity related to the treatment in the first and second cohort did not reach grade III; in the third cohort three patients had grade III radiation toxicity and one had celecoxib-related toxicity. In the last fourth cohort the toxicity was acceptable. Significant VEGF level drop (p=0.011) was found between radiation day 1 and post-treatment visit. Significant decrease (p=0.022) of the VEGF level was shown in patients with high COX-2 expression in the tumor. Phase II recommended dose of celecoxib combined with accelerated radiotherapy in advanced H&N cancer was 600mg bid. A significant decrease of the post-treatment serum VEGF level compared to the initial level was noticed only in patients with high COX-2 expression in tumors.

Circulating cycloxygenase-2 in patients with tobacco-related intraoral squamous cell carcinoma and evaluation of its peptide inhibitors as potential antitumor agent

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to quantitate circulating COX-2 levels in patients with tobacco-related intraoral cancer and to evaluate antitumor activities of COX-2 peptide inhibitors in vitro on KB cell lines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a novel biosensor-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique for estimation of circulating COX-2 levels in 76 patients with oral cancer and 43 normal individuals. Antitumor activities of five COX-2 inhibitory peptides were evaluated using propidium iodide labeling and flow cytometry, alamar blue, MTS, and annexin-V binding assays.

RESULTS

Patients with oral cancer showed threefold increase in serum COX-2 level when compared to normal controls (P < 0.0001). Further, late-stage tumors and lymph node metastasis were associated with significant increase in serum COX-2 levels. Patients with higher circulating COX-2 also showed higher immunoreactivity to anti-COX-2 antibody in the lesions. The peptides significantly reduced viability and inhibited growth/proliferation, induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in tumor cells. However, no such effect was observed either on normal human leukocytes or on MCF-7 cell line that did not over express COX-2.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that SPR may be a useful proteomic technique for quantitative assessment of COX-2 and to identify patients with high-risk oral premalignant or occult cancer, as well as in monitoring response to novel COX-2 targeting strategies. Furthermore, COX-2 peptide inhibitors appear to be a new class of potent anticancer agent for human oral carcinoma.

Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism decreases tumor cell invasion and matrix metalloproteinase expression

Head and neck cancers are known to synthesize arachidonic acid metabolites. Interfering with arachidonic acid metabolism may inhibit growth and invasiveness of cancer cells. In this study we investigate effects of sulindac (the non-selective COX inhibitor), aspirin (the irreversible, preferential COX-1 inhibitor), NS-398 (the selective COX-2 inhibitor), NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid, the selective LOX inhibitor) and ETYA (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, the COX and LOX inhibitor) on cell viability, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, and in vitro invasion of cancer cells derived from primary and metastatic head and neck, and colon cancers. The inhibitors of COX and/or LOX could inhibit cell proliferation, MMP activity and invasion in head and neck and colon cancer cells. However, the inhibitory effect was obviously observed in colon cancer cells. Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism caused a decrease in cancer cell motility, which partially explained by the inhibition of MMPs. Therefore, COX and LOX pathways play important roles in head and neck cancer cell growth.

Piroxicam and carboplatin as a combination treatment of canine oral non-tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot study and a literature review of a canine model of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Results of the treatment with a combination of carboplatin and piroxicam in seven dogs with advanced non-tonsillar oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were retrospectively analysed. This multi-agent protocol was well tolerated by all dogs and resulted in a complete regression of the tumour without additional surgery in four of seven patients. Additional surgery was necessary to remove a metastatic lymph node in one dog and residual tumour in a second dog, which achieved a partial response following medical therapy. Median follow-up for all the dogs was 534 days, while the time-to-recurrence, time-to-progression and overall survival for this group of patients have not yet been reached. Our study, although limited in number of animals, suggests that this multiagent approach is a useful treatment option for oral non-tonsillar SCC in dogs and warrants wider application.

Celecoxib Inhibits Cellular Growth, Decreases Ki-67 Expression and Modifies Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

There is controversy on the safety of inhibitors of cyclooxygenase administered at high doses; however, these drugs have been reported to be effective in the prevention of a variety of human cancers. To determine if celecoxib influences cellular growth, we evaluated several effects in ovarian carcinoma cell lines.

METHODS

CAOV3, OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of celecoxib (0-100 microM) for 24-96 h. Cellular growth was assessed using a cell viability assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3. Apoptosis was determined by a TUNEL assay, and Western blot was used to determine COX-2 protein expression.

RESULTS

We observed a significant decrease in the cellular growth of all cell lines studied exposed to > or = 70 microM of celecoxib for 72 and 96 h (p < 0.02). All cells demonstrated pancytotoxicity at 100 microM of celecoxib. A significant decrease in Ki-67 expression in all cell lines exposed to > or = 30 microM of celecoxib (p < or = 0.05) for 72 h was observed. We observed significant changes in apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 expression in SKOV3 cells exposed to 50 microM of celecoxib. Downregulation of COX-2 protein expression caused by celecoxib was observed in SKOV3 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that celecoxib inhibits cellular growth and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines studied. SKOV3 cells showed an increase in cleaved caspase-3 expression. Additional studies are in progress to evaluate the effects of celecoxib on other aspects of the control of the cell cycle in cancer cells.

The influence of anti-inflammatory drugs on the proliferation of fibroblast derived from nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE

Fibroblasts are the main cells of the polyp architecture and play an important role in nasal polyposis through the release of biologically active factors. It has been recently shown that a number of differentiation factors and inflammatory mediators may be involved in nasal polyps growth, but there are not many studies on nasal polyps fibroblast proliferation. In this study, we investigated the influence of Ibuprofen, Nimesulid and Rofecoxib, cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors and Budesonide on the nasal polyps fibroblasts proliferation.

METHODS

Nasal fibroblasts were grown from nasal polyp tissue obtained during usual surgical procedure. Fibroblast proliferation was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation.

RESULTS

Ibuprofen and Nimesulid showed no influence on fibroblast proliferation. Inhibition of fibroblast proliferation was shown by Rofecoxib at a concentration of 10,000 nM and Budesonide at a concentration of 100 nM.

CONCLUSION

Proliferation of nasal polyps fibroblasts may be inhibited by Budesonide and a specific COX-2 inhibitor -Rofecoxib.

Overexpression of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase 2 in hamster and human oral cancer and chemopreventive effects of zileuton and celecoxib

PURPOSE

Previous studies have suggested an important role of aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism, especially the cyclooxygenase (Cox) pathway, in oral carcinogenesis. However, it is unknown whether the 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox) pathway contributes to oral carcinogenesis, and whether combination of inhibitors of both pathways may have synergistic or additive effects of chemoprevention.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

5-Lox expression was examined in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster and human oral cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry, and Cox2 expression was investigated in hamster oral tissues using in situ hybridization. Zileuton (a specific 5-Lox inhibitor) and celecoxib (a specific Cox2 inhibitor), either alone or in combination, were investigated for their chemopreventive effects on the DMBA-induced hamster model at the post-initiation stage through topical application.

RESULTS

5-Lox was overexpressed during oral carcinogenesis in hamsters and humans, as well as Cox2 in the hamster tissues. In a chemoprevention study using the post-initiation DMBA model, incidence of hamster oral squamous cell carcinoma was reduced from 76.9% (20 of 26) to 45.8% (11 of 24, P < 0.05) and 32.1% (9 of 28, P < 0.01) by 3% and 6% topical zileuton, respectively; and to 57.6% (15 of 26, P > 0.05) and 50% (12 of 24, P < 0.05) by 3% and 6% topical celecoxib, respectively. When used in combination, celecoxib and zileuton (3% of each) had an additive inhibitory effect on the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (36%, 9 of 25, P < 0.01). Other pathologic variables and the levels of leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 of the hamster tissues were reduced as well.

CONCLUSIONS

The results clearly showed that both 5-Lox and Cox2 played important roles in oral carcinogenesis. Zileuton and celecoxib prevented oral carcinogenesis at the post-initiation stage through their inhibitory effects on arachidonic acid metabolism.