Abstract:

Objective To observe whether Celecoxib could inhibit the growth, regulate the expression of COX-2 and induce apoptosis of Tca8113 cells. Methods Tca8113 cells were incubated with different concentrations of Celecoxib for 24, 48 and 72 h, and MTT was used to calculate growth inhibition rate. The expression of COX-2 protein and mRNA in Tca8113 cells was detected with SP immunohistochemistry staining and fluorescent quantitative realtime RT-PCR. Morphology of apoptosis cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling method was employed to detect early stage cell apoptosis. Results COX-2 protein was strongly expressed in Tca8113 cells and was suppressed by Celecoxib. The growth and proliferation of Tca8113 cells treated with Celecoxib were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Celecoxib treatment resulted in significant increase in apoptosis and early apoptotic rate. Fluorescent quantitative real-time RT-PCR results showed no significant effet on regulating expression of COX-2 mRNA. Conclusion Celecoxib shows a significant effect on inhibiting expression of COX-2 in Tca8113 cells, this is probably related to growth inhibition and inducing apoptosis of Tca8113 cells.

Key words: Celecoxib, cycloxygenase-2, cell apoptosis, squamous cell carcinoma