The function and mechanism of COX-2 in angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells

Background

Here we aimed to investigate the effect of COX-2 siRNA on proliferation and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells.

Methods

The gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 was transfected with COX-2 siRNA, then the growth and angiogenesis of cells were detected by in vitro and in vivo assay. Human microarray, RT-PCR and western blot were used to identify differentially expressed angiogenesis-related molecules in cells with decreased expression of COX-2.

Results

Down-regulation of COX-2 could significantly inhibit the in vitro and in vivo growth of gastric cancer cells, and suppress the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Totally 23 angiogenesis-related molecules were found involved in COX-2-induced angiogenesis suppression. The results of RT-PCR and western blot showed that down-regulation of COX-2 might inhibit VEGF, Flt-1, Flk-1/KDR, angiopoietin-1, tie-2, MMP2 and OPN.

Conclusions

COX-2 might mediate tumor angiogenesis and growth, and could be considered as a target for gastric cancer therapy.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 activation mediates the proangiogenic effect of nitric oxide in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Up-regulation of both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes has been reported in colorectal cancer. We aimed at evaluating the possible interaction between the nitric oxide and COX-2 pathways, and its effect on promoting tumor angiogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Expression of iNOS, COX-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31 was analyzed in tumor samples and corresponding normal mucosa obtained from 46 surgical specimens. We also evaluated iNOS activity, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP production in the same specimens. Nitrite/nitrate levels, and PGE(2) and VEGF production were assessed in HCT116 and HT29 colon cancer cell lines after induction and selective inhibition of the two enzyme pathways. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between iNOS and COX-2 immunohistochemical expression. PGE(2) production significantly correlated with iNOS activity and cGMP levels. A significant correlation was also found among PGE(2) production, microvessel density, and VEGF expression. Coinduction of both iNOS and COX-2 activities occurred after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment in HCT116 and HT29 cells. Inhibition of iNOS by 1400W significantly reduced both LPS- and EGF-induced PGE(2) production. Treatment with LPS, EGF, and arachidonic acid significantly increased VEGF production in the iNOS-negative/COX-2-positive HT29 cells. This effect was completely reversed by treatment with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed a prominent role of nitric oxide in stimulating COX-2 activity in colorectal cancer. This interaction is likely to produce a cooperative effect in promoting angiogenesis through PGE(2)-mediated increase in VEGF production.     

黄芪对SGC7901胃癌细胞COX-1、COX-2、VEGF和PGE2表达的影响

目的：观察黄芪对人胃癌SGC7901细胞中COX-1、COX-2、VEGF和PGE2表达的影响。方法：采用MTT试验观察黄芪对胃癌细胞的抑制作用，用RT-PCR以及Western blot方法研究加药后人胃癌细胞COX-1、COX-2基因及其蛋白表达的变化。用ELISA方法检测培养基中VEGF、PGE2的表达情况。结果：黄芪能抑制人胃癌细胞生长，呈一定的量效特征；并能抑制人胃癌细胞COX-2、VEGF和PGE2的表达。结论：黄芪抗肿瘤的机制可能是通过抑制COX-2，进而抑制其下游产物PEG2的表达及使VEGF表达下调，从而抑制肿瘤的生长。     

The Contributions of Cyclooxygenase-2 to Tumor Angiogenesis

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an immediate early response gene that can be induced by a variety of tumor promoters, cytokines, growth factors and hypoxia. COX-2 overexpression is linked to all stages of carcinogenesis with the enzyme localized to the neoplastic cells, microvascular endothelial cells, and stromal fibroblasts. The contributions of COX-2 in tumor angiogenesis include: (a) the increased expression of the proangiogenic growth factor VEGF; (b) the production of the eicosanoid products thromboxane A₂, PGE₂ and PGI₂ that can directly stimulate endothelial cell migration and growth factor-induced angiogenesis; and potentially, (c) the inhibition of endothelial cell apoptosis by stimulation of Bcl-2 or Akt activation. Selective pharmacological inhibitors of COX-2 as angiosuppressive agents could have therapeutic benefit in the treatment of neoplastic disease from prevention through treatment of advanced metastatic disease. These agents are safe and well tolerated and can be added to chemotherapy and radiation therapy where angiogenesis inhibitors appear to provide at least additive therapeutic benefit.     

Role of COX-2, VEGF and cyclin D1 in mammary infiltrating duct carcinoma

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has an important role in the promotion of carcinogenesis, tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a proangiogenic factor that is up-regulated in various tumors. VEGF has been shown to interact with COX-derived prostaglandins in angiogenesis. Cyclin D1 gene overexpression and amplification have been shown to play a role as prognostic factors in many human cancers. To better understand the roles of these genes in mammary carcinoma, the immunohistochemical expression patterns of COX-2 and VEGF were evaluated in relationship with cyclin D1 overexpression, tumor stage, clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival in 128 mammary infiltrating duct carcinomas. The expressions of COX-2/VEGF, COX-2/cyclin D1, and VEGF/cyclin D1 were evaluated using double immunofluorescein staining with a confocal scanning laser microscope. A positive expression was seen in 41% for COX-2, 47% for VEGF, and 66% for cyclin D1 in the cases with breast cancer. There was correlation in positive expression of COX-2 or VEGF with histologic grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size. Conversely, a significant inverse relation was observed between VEGF and patient age. There was a correlation in overexpression of cyclin D1 with lymph node metastasis, survival rate and survival length. Significant correlations were observed between COX-2 and VEGF as well as COX-2 and cyclin D1. Co-expression of only COX-2 and VEGF was detected with significance. These results indicate that elevated COX-2 or VEGF expression or cyclin D1 overexpression is more common in breast cancer patients with poor prognostic characteristics and is partly associated with an unfavorable outcome. The present findings support the efforts to initiate clinical trials on the efficacy of COX-2 inhibitors in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.     

PGE2对胰腺癌PC-3细胞株血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响

目的探讨PGE2对胰腺癌PC-3细胞株血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的影响.方法应用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)方法,在选择性环氧合酶(COX)-2抑制剂Celebres的干预的基础上,观测PGE2对胰腺癌PC-3细胞株VEGF表达的影响.结果 PGE2可上调胰腺癌PC-3细胞株VEGF的表达,且表现出一定的剂量依赖性关系.结论 PGE2可上调胰腺癌PC-3细胞株VEGF的分泌,其可能在COX-2参与胰腺癌新生血管生成的过程中起着重要的介导作用.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 pathway correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor expression and tumor angiogenesis in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Evidence indicates that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-derived prostaglandins (PGs) contribute to tumor growth by inducing angiogenesis. We investigated the role of COX-2 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). COX-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry in 24 HBV-associated HCC. Tumor micro-vessel density (MVD) was assessed using CD34 immunohistochemistry. Hep3B HCC cell line, which carries integrated HBV genome, was stably transfected with human COX-2 cDNA. COX-2 and VEGF expressions were determined by Western blot while PG level was determined by ELISA. The effects of PGs on VEGF expression were also investigated. Expression of COX-2 and VEGF in HCC cells were observed in 19 (79%) and 16 (67%) cases, respectively. Well-differentiated HCC expressed COX-2 more strongly than less-differentiated HCC (p<0.001). COX-2 expression was found to correlate with VEGF expression and MVD (p=0.003 and 0.004, respectively). COX-2 overexpressing Hep3B clone had higher VEGF expression as compared to non-COX-2 expressing clone and parental cells. Treatment of the COX-2 overexpressing cells with a COX-2-selective inhibitor, NS-398 (10 microM), decreased PGE2 level and attenuated VEGF expression. Addition of PGE2 (10 microM) and the stable analog of PGI2, carbaprostacyclin (5 microM), to Hep3B cells also increased VEGF expression. Up-regulation of COX-2 correlates with VEGF expression and tumor angiogenesis in HBV-associated HCC. Moreover, COX-2 up-regulates VEGF expression in HCC cells, possibly via PGs production. Selective inhibition of COX-2 may block HCC associated angiogenesis and thus provides a rational approach for treatment of this malignancy.     

胃癌组织中COX-2和VEGF表达及其相关性研究

目的探讨环氧合酶2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)和血管内皮生长因子(vascularendothelial growthfactor,VEGF)在人胃癌组织中表达及其相关性。方法应用免疫组织化学SABC法检测53例人胃癌组织中COX-2、VEGF和CD34的表达,并以40例正常胃粘膜标本作为对照。对CD34阳性血管进行微血管密度(microvesseldensity,MVD)计数。对COX-2和VEGF的表达采用半定量计分法判定,并结合临床资料进行统计学分析。结果53例人胃癌组织中,COX-2表达阳性者44例,阳性率为83.0%;VEGF表达阳性者45例,阳性率为84.9%。COX-2表达与VEGF表达相关显著(P<0.05)。并且,COX-2和VEGF的表达与TNM分期(P<0.05,P<0.05)、淋巴结转移(P<0.01,P<0.05)和远处转移(P<0.01,P<0.05)相关。COX-2/VEGF同高表达组中MVD值(79.5±25.8)高于COX-2/VEGF同低表达组中的MVD值(45.0±13.9),差异非常显著(P<0.01)。结论胃癌组织中COX-2与VEGF共表达,并相互协同促进肿瘤血管生成和转移。     

In vitro regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor by estrogens and antiestrogens in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer

BACKGROUND: The effects of antiestrogens on angiogenesis in breast cancer are not fully defined. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of antiestrogens at different concentrations on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. METHODS: The dose-dependent effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2), 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT), and ICI182,780 were analyzed both with reference to growth rates and VEGF protein production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in MCF-7 cells. RESULTS: E2 stimulated both the growth rates and VEGF production of MCF-7 cells in the same manner. Although 4OHT stimulated the growth rates as an agonistic effect in an estrogen-free media at levels ranging from 1 nM to 1 micro M, it did not stimulate VEGF expression at the same levels except for at 1 micro M. Although 4OHT had a weak agonistic effect on VEGF production at 1 micro M in an estrogen-free media, it significantly inhibited E2-stimulated VEGF production at the same level. A cytotoxic effect was observed with 10 micro M 4OHT that paradoxically caused a prominent increase in VEGF production. ICI182,780 had no significant effects on the growth rates or VEGF production in this cell line. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that tamoxifen could inhibit angiogenesis induced by estrogens in ER-positive breast cancer cells.     

Chenodeoxycholic acid stimulates the progression of human esophageal cancer cells: A possible mechanism of angiogenesis in patients with esophageal cancer

Bile acids are known to promote the growth of gastrointestinal cancer. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined whether bile acids induce tumor growth via the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 angiogenic pathway. In vitro, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and esophageal adenocarcinoma cells were studied. Production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COX-2 protein and VEGF protein were measured by immunoblot analysis, and COX-2 activity was measured by ELISA. In vivo, CDCA was administered to ESCC cell-bearing mice. Tumor tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically, and microvessel density was evaluated. Clinically, 134 patients with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy were studied. In vitro, CDCA induced the production of PGE2 and VEGF in dose- and time-dependent manners, and these effects were attenuated by a selective COX-2 inhibitor, mitogen-activated protein kinases inhibitor, or epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor. CDCA-induced COX-2 in the cell lysate increased the secretion of VEGF into the culture medium. In vivo, CDCA markedly enhanced tumor growth and increased vascularization. Clinically, patients whose tumors expressed both COX-2 and VEGF had poor outcomes. Our results suggest that bile acids, important constituents of duodenal fluid, stimulate the development of human esophageal cancer by promoting angiogenesis via the COX-2 pathway.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis in human gastric carcinoma

Although gastric cancer with cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, the mechanistic pathway remains unknown. We examined the associations between expressions of COX-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both gastric cancer cells and in human gastric cancer. The gastric cell line, Kato III, was transiently transfected with cox-2 expressing vector. The levels of COX-2, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and VEGF expression were measured post-transfection. Additionally, expressions of COX-2 and VEGF in human gastric cancer were determined by immunohistochemistry in archive gastrectomy specimens. Tumor angiogenesis was assessed by the microvessel density (MVD), which was determined by anti-CD34 immunostaining. Transient transfection of Kato III with cox-2 was associated with increased COX-2 expression, higher PGE2 production and upregulated VEGF expressions. Treatment with NS398, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, reduced VEGF expression in COX-2 expressing Kato III cells by 25%. Among the 67 gastric cancers examined, COX-2 overexpression was found in 45 (67%) cases whereas increased VEGF expression was detected in 46 (69%) cases. There was a significant association between COX-2 and VEGF expressions in gastric cancer (r=0.25, p=0.041). Additionally, tumor MVD was associated with both COX-2 (r=0.32, p=0.008) and VEGF (r=0.39, p=0.001) expressions. Our results showed that overexpression of COX-2 in both gastric cells and primary gastric cancer is associated with upregulation of VEGF and angiogenesis. Future studies should evaluate the potential anti-angiogenic effect of COX-2 inhibitors on human gastric cancer.     

Thromboxane A2 is a mediator of cyclooxygenase-2-dependent endothelial migration and angiogenesis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors reduce angiogenic responses to a variety of stimuli, suggesting that products of COX-2 may mediate critical steps. Here, we show that thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is one of several eicosanoid products generated by activated human microvascular endothelial cells. Selective COX-2 antagonists inhibit TXA2 production, endothelial migration, and fibroblast growth factor-induced corneal angiogenesis. Endothelial migration and corneal angiogenesis are similarly inhibited by a TXA2 receptor antagonist, SQ29548. A TXA2 agonist, U46619, reconstitutes both migration and angiogenesis responses under COX-2-inhibited conditions. These findings identify TXA2 as a COX-2 product that functions as a critical intermediary of angiogenesis.     

Celecoxib inhibits angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell apoptosis in human pancreatic tumor xenografts

Previous studies suggest that antagonists of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1, -2) inhibit angiogenesis in tumor xenografts, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here we characterized the effects of non-selective (indomethacin) and selective (NS398, celecoxib) cyclooxygenase inhibitors on parameters of angiogenesis in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. COX-1 expression was constitutive in 9/9 pancreatic cancer cell lines, whereas COX-2 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) expression were observed in 4/9 cell lines (BxPC3, Capan2, Cfpac1, and L3.6 pl). Production of the COX product, prostaglandin E2, correlated with expression of cPLA2 and COX-2 and was blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, indomethacin or NS398). In contrast to the findings of others, neither indomethacin nor NS398 affected tumor cell secretion of angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF, IL-8) at concentrations that produced maximal inhibition of PGE2 production, and higher concentrations increased angiogenic factor production. We also studied the effects of celecoxib in orthotopic L3.6 pl xenografts. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed high-level expression of COX-2 in endothelial cells in L3.6 pl xenografts that increased following therapy with celecoxib, whereas the tumor cells expressed uniformly low levels of COX-2. Celecoxib did not decrease tumor-associated VEGF levels in orthotopic human L3.6 pl xenografts, but the drug did decrease tumor microvessel density (MVD) and increase apoptosis in tumor-associated endothelial cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Together, our results demonstrate that the anti-angiogeneic effects of NSAIDs in human pancreatic cancer cells are exerted via direct effects on endothelial cells.     

Tanshinone II-A Inhibits Angiogenesis through Down Regulation of COX-2 in Human Colorectal Cancer

Angiogenesis plays a significant role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) appears tobe involved with multiple aspects of CRC angiogenesis. Our aim was to investigate the inhibitory effects of TanII-A (Tanshinone II-A, Tan II-A) on tumor growth in mice, as well as alteration of expression of COX-2 andVEGF in CRC. We established the mice xenograft model of C26 CRC cell line, and injected 0.5, 1, 2mg/kg ofTan II-A and 1mg/kg of 5-FU in respectively in vivo. Then, we assayed tumor weight and volume, and evaluatedmicrovascular density and expression of VEGF. COX-2 promoter and COX-2 plasmids were transfected intoHCT-116 cells, followed by detection of COX-2 promoter activity by chemiluminescence, and detection of COX-2mRNA expression by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Taken together, the results showed Tan II-A could inhibittumor growth and suppress the VEGF level in vivo. HCT-116 cell experiments showed marked inhibitory effectsof Tan II-A on COX-2 and VEGF in a dose-dependent manner. The results indicate that Tan II-A can effectivelyinhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis of human colorectal cancer via inhibiting the expression level of COX-2and VEGF.     

DFU, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, suppresses MCF-7 xenograft tumor growth in mice

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are regarded as potentially important in strategies for cancer treatment. however, the precise mechanisms of these anti-inflammatory drugs as anti-cancer therapy are still unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of DFU both in vitro on MCF-7 cell growth, as well as in vivo on tumor growth produced by MCF-7 cell injection in mice. DFU has growth inhibitory effects on tumor growth in mice compared to the control group. We examined the tumor tissues for apoptosis and angiogenesis by immunostaining. Apoptosis was detected only in the treatment group. DFU treatment also resulted in the inhibition of angiogenesis, as well as decreased COX-2 expression. Results of this study suggest that inhibitory effects of DFU might be COX-2 dependent.     

Novel sensitizing agents: Potential Contribution of COX-2 inhibitor for endocrine therapy of breast cancer

Enhancement of the therapeutic effect of conventional drugs is currently an active treatment strategy for breast cancer, as shown in the clinical application of trastuzumab with chemotherapeutic agents, which prolonged survival even for metastatic disease. Cyclo-oxygenase 2(COX-2)inhibitors, which are chemoprevention agents for familial polyposis coli, are now contributing to this strategy in combination with chemotherapeutic and endocrine drugs. As an endocrine application, overexpression of COX-2 contributes to increased expression of aromatase in the breast tumor. In addition, it is also known to promote rich micro-vessels within the tumor through up-regulation of prostaglandin E2(PGE2), which can induce vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in cancer cells, and can directly modulate endothelial cell proliferation. Since both rich vasculature and accelerated estrogen synthesis are thought to contribute to unfavorable conditions for the response to endocrine therapy, inhibiting COX-2 with COX-2 inhibitors is a promising strategy to potentiate endocrine therapy.     

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition causes antiangiogenic effects on tumor endothelial and vascular progenitor cells

Tumor angiogenesis is necessary for solid tumor progression and metastasis. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is known to play an important role in cancer growth and invasion, and it activates the signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. COX-2 is reported to be expressed in many cancer cells. Several studies have reported successful treatment of cancer cells with COX-2 inhibitors (COX-2is). However, the effect of COX-2 inhibition on the tumor endothelium remains to be elucidated. Our study shows that COX-2 is expressed in the vasculature of surgically resected human tumors. To investigate the effects of COX-2 inhibition on the tumor endothelium in vitro, we isolated tumor endothelial cells (TECs) from human melanoma and oral carcinoma xenografts in mice, in which we confirmed that tumor growth was suppressed by inhibiting angiogenesis with the COX-2is NS398. COX-2 mRNA was upregulated in TECs compared to normal endothelial cells (NECs). Cell migration and proliferation were suppressed by NS398 in TECs but not in NECs. The effects of NS398 in vivo were consistent with the in vitro results. The number of CD133+ /vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2+ cells in circulation was significantly suppressed by COX-2 inhibition. In addition, the number of progenitor marker-positive cells decreased in the tumor blood vessels after COX-2i treatment, which suggests that the homing of progenitor cells into the tumor was also blocked. We conclude that NS398 specifically targets both TECs and vascular progenitor cells without affecting NECs.     

COX-2介导幽门螺杆菌诱导的人胃癌细胞VEGF表达

背景与目的：血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）是重要的促血管生成因子,幽门螺杆菌（Helicobacter pylori,H. pylori）感染诱导胃黏膜VEGF过表达是胃癌生长、转移的重要环节,但其表达机制尚不清楚。环氧化酶-2（cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2）是一种快速反应蛋白,与胃癌发生发展关系密切。本研究旨在探讨COX-2对H. pylori诱导胃癌细胞VEGF表达的影响,揭示H. pylori感染促进胃癌生长、转移的部分机制。方法：采用实时荧光定量PCR（RFQ-PCR）法检测标准H. pylori（NCTC 11637细胞株）感染人胃癌MKN45细胞VEGF的表达;Western印迹法检测H. pylori对MKN45细胞中COX-2蛋白表达的影响;运用COX-2特异性抑制剂NS398（50 μmol/L）抑制COX-2后,观察H. pylori对MKN45细胞VEGF mRNA表达的影响。结果：H. pylori感染人胃癌MKN45细胞后VEGF mRNA的表达明显上调。H. pylori感染6、12和24 h后VEGF mRNA的表达量分别为正常值的2.33（P〈0.05）、5.69和5.04倍（P〈0.01）;H. pylori感染MKN45细胞24 h后,COX-2蛋白的表达亦显著增加（P〈0.01）。而采用COX-2特异性抑制剂NS398抑制COX-2的表达后,H. pylori诱导的VEGF mRNA表达明显降低（P〈0.01）。结论：H. pylori感染诱导胃癌细胞COX-2和VEGF表达,通过COX-2途径上调VEGF的表达,这可能是H. pylori感染促进胃癌生长、转移的重要机制之一。