The role of EP-2 receptor expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

The effect of selinexor on prostaglandin synthesis in virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with high rates of metastasis and mortality. In vitro studies suggest that selinexor (KPT-330), an inhibitor of exportin 1, may be a targeted therapeutic option for MCC. This selective inhibitor prevents the transport of oncogenic mRNA out of the nucleus. Of note, 80% of MCC tumors are integrated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and virally encoded tumor-antigens, small T (sT) and large T (LT) mRNAs may require an exportin transporter to relocate to the cytoplasm and modulate host tumor-suppressing pathways. To explore selinexor as a targeted therapy for MCC, we examine its ability to inhibit LT and sT antigen expression in vitro and its impact on the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Protein expression was determined through immunoblotting and quantified by densitometric analysis. Statistical significance was determined with t-test. Treatment of MCPyV-infected cell lines with selinexor resulted in a significant dose-dependent downregulation of key mediators of the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Given the role of prostaglandin synthesis pathway in MCC, our findings suggest that selinexor, alone or in combination with immunotherapy, could be a promising treatment for MCPyV-infected MCC patients who are resistant to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Piperine Reduces Neoplastic Progression in Cervical Cancer Cells by Downregulating the Cyclooxygenase 2 Pathway

Cervical cancer is the fourth-most common type of cancer in the world that causes death in women. It is mainly caused by persistent infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) that triggers a chronic inflammatory process. Therefore, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is a potential treatment option. The effects of piperine, an amino alkaloid derived from Piper nigrum, are poorly understood in cervical cancer inflammation, making it a target of research. This work aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of piperine on cervical cancer and to determine whether this effect is modulated by the cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) pathway using in vitro model of cervical cancer (HeLa, SiHa, CaSki), and non-tumoral (HaCaT) cell lines. The results showed that piperine reduces in vitro parameters associated with neoplastic evolution such as proliferation, viability and migration by cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 and G2/M phases, with subsequent induction of apoptosis. This action was modulated by downregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) pathway, which in turn regulates the secretion of cytokines and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their antagonists (TIMPs). These findings indicate the phytotherapeutic potential of piperine as complementary treatment in cervical cancer.

The Interaction of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Prostaglandin E2 Signaling in Carcinogenesis: A Focus on Cervical Cancer Therapeutics

Chronic infection by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) and chronic inflammation are factors associated with the onset and progression of several neoplasias, including cervical cancer. Oncogenic proteins E5, E6, and E7 from HPV are the main drivers of cervical carcinogenesis. In the present article, we review the general mechanisms of HPV-driven cervical carcinogenesis, as well as the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and downstream effectors in this pathology. We also review the evidence on the crosstalk between chronic HPV infection and PGE2 signaling, leading to immune response weakening and cervical cancer development. Finally, the last section updates the current therapeutic and preventive options targeting PGE2-derived inflammation and HPV infection in cervical cancer. These treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prophylactic and therapeutical vaccines, immunomodulators, antivirals, and nanotechnology. Inflammatory signaling pathways are closely related to the carcinogenic nature of the virus, highlighting inflammation as a co-factor for HPV-dependent carcinogenesis. Therefore, blocking inflammatory signaling pathways, modulating immune response against HPV, and targeting the virus represent excellent options for anti-tumoral therapies in cervical cancer.

Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Because of profound effects observed in carcinogenesis, prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases, and PG receptors are implicated in cancer development and progression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PG actions has potential clinical relevance for cancer prevention and therapy. This review focuses on the current status of PG signaling pathways in modulating cancer progression and aims to provide insights into the mechanistic actions of PGs and their receptors in influencing tumor progression. We also examine several small molecules identified as having anticancer activity that target prostaglandin receptors. The literature suggests that targeting PG pathways could provide opportunities for cancer prevention and therapy.