Celecoxib Enhances Radiosensitivity via Induction of G2-M Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

关键词: Celecoxib;    COX-2;    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma;    Radiosensitivity;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000358713

学科分类：分子生物学，细胞生物学和基因

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

Background Previous work has proposed that celecoxib may be able to enhance the effects of radiotherapy. However, the underlying mechanism of this activity has not yet been determined. Methods The cell colony formation assay after the combination of celecoxib and radiation treatment was done on C666-1, CNE-1 and CNE-2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, which expressed different COX-2 levels. Moreover, COX-2 knocked down or overexpressed cells were developed, and apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were performed. Results Celecoxib enhances radiation cytotoxicity in C666-1 and CNE-1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells that expressed high COX-2 but not in CNE-2 cells that expressed low COX-2. The radiosensitization of celecoxib in C666-1 cells disappeared after the COX-2 knocked down, while the CNE-2 cells were radiosensitized by celecoxib after the transfection of COX-2. Moreover, celecoxib enhanced radiation-induced G₂-M phase arrest was observed in some of the tested cells. Furthermore, we found that the radiosensitivity of celecoxib in nasopharyngeal carcinoma was correlated with the apoptosis induction. Additionally, the combination of celecoxib (25 mg/kg) and radiation (6 Gy) treatment significantly reduced tumor volume in C666-1 and CNE-2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft models. Conclusion These results indicate that the combination of celecoxib and radiation treatment has potential application in radiotherapy, and these effects may be attributable to the G₂-M cell phase arrest and enhancement of cell apoptosis. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND