Celecoxib induces apoptosis via a mitochondria-dependent pathway in the H22 mouse hepatoma cell line

Research progress on rat model of drug-induced liver injury established by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (celecoxib) and royal jelly ameliorative effect

OBJECTIVES

NSAIDs, like celecoxib, are widely used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation, with celecoxib being particularly effective in managing arthritis symptoms and acute or chronic pain especially with its favorable gastrointestinal tolerability. The study aimed at exploring the effect of chronic administration of celecoxib on hepatic tissues in male albino rats. It also examined the royal jelly celecoxib interplay.

METHODS

50 male albino rats in 5 equal groups; Group 1: received no drug. Group 2: received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally), for 30 successive days. Group 3: received celecoxib plus royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 successive days. Group 4: received celecoxib, for 30 days, then were left untreated for another 30 days. Group 5: received celecoxib plus royal jelly for 30 days, then were left untreated for another 30 days.

RESULTS

Chronic celecoxib administration caused hepatotoxicity in male albino rats, with ameliorative effect of royal jelly. Celecoxib discontinuation significantly diminished the celecoxib-induced toxicity, and normal liver enzymes and serum protein levels were regained in the case of dual medications (celecoxib+RJ) discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term celecoxib administration caused hepatotoxicity, with ameliorative effects of royal jelly against celecoxib-induced oxidative and apoptotic stress. In addition, it could be concluded that royal jelly may prove a useful adjunct in patients being prescribed celecoxib.

Cardioprotective role of royal jelly in the prevention of celecoxib-mediated cardiotoxicity in adult male albino rats

BACKGROUND

Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is used for the management of short- and long-term pain as well as in other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, its chronic use is highly associated with serious abnormal cardiovascular events. The current study was designed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on the cardiac tissues of male albino rats. The study also examined the alleged cardioprotective effect of royal jelly.

METHODS

Thirty, male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups; 10 each: (1) rats served as the control group and received no drug; (2) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally), for 30 consecutive days; (3) rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) plus royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 consecutive days. Sera were collected to assay cardiac enzymes and oxidant/antioxidant status. Rats were euthanatized and cardiac tissues were dissected for quantitative estimation of apoptotic genes (Bax) and anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2).

RESULTS

Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats as manifested by significant elevation of serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), with ameliorative effects of royal jelly against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity as manifested by significantly decrease in serum CPK, CK-MB, and LDH levels. It also showed a significant decrease in the oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the bax gene. Additionally, it demonstrated significant increases in the bcl-2 gene and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which contribute to its therapeutic effects against celecoxib-induced cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Long-term celecoxib administration caused cardiotoxicity in male albino rats with protective effect of royal jelly being given together. It could be concluded that royal jelly may prove a useful adjunct in patients being prescribed celecoxib.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Royal Jelly, A Super Food, Protects Against Celecoxib-Induced Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Background

Celecoxib is a COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on kidney of male albino rats, and to study the potential effect of treatment discontinuation on such tissues. The study also examined the alleged ameliorative effect of royal jelly (RJ).

Methods

Fifty, male albino rats were divided into 5 equal groups; 10 each. Group 1: rats received no drug (control group). Group 2: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally for 30 successive days). Group 3: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 successive days. Group 4: rats received celecoxib for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days. Group 5: rats received celecoxib and RJ for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days.

Results

Long-term celecoxib administration caused significant elevation in kidney function tests, with ameliorative effects of RJ against celecoxib-induced renal toxicity.

Conclusion

Long-term celecoxib administration caused renal toxicity in male albino rats, with ameliorative effects of RJ.

Old and New Players of Inflammation and Their Relationship With Cancer Development

Pathogens or genotoxic agents continuously affect the human body. Acute inflammatory reaction induced by a non-sterile or sterile environment is triggered for the efficient elimination of insults that caused the damage. According to the insult, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, damage-associated molecular patterns, and homeostasis-altering molecular processes are released to facilitate the arrival of tissue resident and circulating cells to the injured zone to promote harmful agent elimination and tissue regeneration. However, when inflammation is maintained, a chronic phenomenon is induced, in which phagocytic cells release toxic molecules damaging the harmful agent and the surrounding healthy tissues, thereby inducing DNA lesions. In this regard, chronic inflammation has been recognized as a risk factor of cancer development by increasing the genomic instability of transformed cells and by creating an environment containing proliferation signals. Based on the cancer immunoediting concept, a rigorous and regulated inflammation process triggers participation of innate and adaptive immune responses for efficient elimination of transformed cells. When immune response does not eliminate all transformed cells, an equilibrium phase is induced. Therefore, excessive inflammation amplifies local damage caused by the continuous arrival of inflammatory/immune cells. To regulate the overstimulation of inflammatory/immune cells, a network of mechanisms that inhibit or block the cell overactivity must be activated. Transformed cells may take advantage of this process to proliferate and gradually grow until they become preponderant over the immune cells, preserving, increasing, or creating a microenvironment to evade the host immune response. In this microenvironment, tumor cells resist the attack of the effector immune cells or instruct them to sustain tumor growth and development until its clinical consequences. With tumor development, evolving, complex, and overlapping microenvironments are arising. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of cytokine, immune, and tumor cell interactions and their role in the intricated process will impact the combination of current or forthcoming therapies.

Effect of celecoxib against different developmental stages of experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection

Due to the high prevalence of schistosomiasis and the wide use of praziquantel solely for mass drug administration to control the disease, there is a great concern about the potential emergence of reduced susceptibility strains. This, together with the concern that praziquantel is ineffective against juvenile worms highlight the importance of developing an alternative anti-schistosomal drug. Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs against schistosome infection is considerable. The present study evaluated the effect of oral administration of five days celecoxib regimen (20 mg/kg/day) against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni infection. This regimen induced significant reduction in worm burden, tissue egg count, individual female fecundity and the mean percentage of immature and mature eggs with increased mean percentage of dead eggs. More importantly, celecoxib was more potent than praziquantel in all these parasitological parameters (except in the worm burden when given against the adult stage where the difference was statistically non-significant). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the adult worms revealed severe tegumental damage, laceration of the muscular layers and oedema of the syncytial layer. There was disruption of the testicular, ovarian and vitelline glandular tissues with signs of apoptosis and abnormalities of the spermatozoa and the oocytes. Additionally, celecoxib induced reduction in the number and the size of the hepatic granulomata and also amelioration of the hepatic tissue pathology.

The Effect of Biotinylated PAMAM G3 Dendrimers Conjugated with COX-2 Inhibitor (celecoxib) and PPARγ Agonist (Fmoc-L-Leucine) on Human Normal Fibroblasts, Immortalized Keratinocytes and Glioma Cells in Vitro

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant type of central nervous system tumor that is resistant to all currently used forms of therapy. Thus, more effective GBM treatment strategies are being investigated, including combined therapies with drugs that may cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Another important issue considers the decrease of deleterious side effects of therapy. It has been shown that nanocarrier conjugates with biotin can penetrate BBB. In this study, biotinylated PAMAM G3 dendrimers substituted with the recognized anticancer agents cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist Fmoc-L-Leucine (G3-BCL) were tested in vitro on human cell lines with different p53 status: glioblastoma (U-118 MG), normal fibroblasts (BJ) and immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). G3-BCL penetrated efficiently into the lysosomal and mitochondrial compartments of U-118 MG cells and induced death of U-118 MG cells via apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and migration at low IC₅₀ = 1.25 µM concentration, considerably lower than either drug applied alone. Comparison of the effects of G3-BCL on expression of COX-2 and PPARγ protein and PGE₂ production of three different investigated cell line phenotypes revealed that the anti-glioma effect of the conjugate was realized by other mechanisms other than influencing PPAR-γ expression and regardless of p53 cell status, it was dependent on COX-2 protein level and high PGE₂ production. Similar G3-BCL cytotoxicity was seen in normal fibroblasts (IC₅₀ = 1.29 µM) and higher resistance in HaCaT cells (IC₅₀ = 4.49 µM). Thus, G3-BCL might be a good candidate for the targeted, local glioma therapy with limited site effects.

Celecoxib Conjugated Fluorescent Probe for Identification and Discrimination of Cyclooxygenase-2 Enzyme in Cancer Cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme overexpressed in most types of cancers and has been used for an excellent targetable biomarker. Celecoxib is an effective inhibitor of COX-2, used in anti-inflammation. Herein we report a one and two-photon fluorescence probe (NP-C6-CXB) for COX-2, based on the conjugation of naphthalamide with Celecoxib, by using flexible hexylene linker. NP-C6-CXB is nonfluorescent in buffer solution and normal cells, while it shows bright fluorescence in solutions and cancer cells in the presence of COX-2 with an excellent selectivity. Interestingly, NP-C6-CXB can discriminate cancer cells (MCF-7) from normal cells (COS-7) in the single culture medium under confocal microscopy. Due to the selective binding affinity of NP-C6-CXB with a COX-2 enzyme, the intensity is proportional to the level of COX-2 enzyme in cancer cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments proved that NP-C6-CXB is a potential tool for identification of tumor and might be used in surgical resection of COX-2 expressed tumors.

Apple peel polyphenols reduce mitochondrial dysfunction in mice with DSS-induced ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are multifaceted and relapsing immune disorders, which necessitate long-term dependence on powerful drugs. As the use of natural product-based therapies has emerged as a promising intervention, the present study aimed to further characterize dried apple peel powder (DAPP) mechanisms of action and evaluate the preventive and curative effects of DAPP on mitochondrial functions in a murine model. Induction of intestinal inflammation in mice is performed by oral administration of the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) at 2.5% for 10 days. Doses of DAPP (200 or 400 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 10 days pre- and 1 day after colitis induction simultaneously with DSS treatment for a period of 10 days. The preventive (200 mg/kg/day) and therapeutic (400 mg/kg/day) doses of DAPP limited DSS-induced histological lesions, improved macroscopic parameters and attenuated clinical signs. DAPP at the same conditions reduced massive infiltration of inflammatory cells and concomitantly displayed a robust potential of counteracting inflammation and oxidative stress in DSS mice. Moreover, DAPP partially restored mitochondrial abnormalities related to size, density, redox homeostasis, fatty acid β-oxidation, ATP synthesis, apoptosis and regulatory mitochondrial transcription factors. Our findings demonstrate the preventive and therapeutic impact of DAPP on experimental colitis while underlying the role of mitochondria. They also suggest that this natural DAPP product may represent an interesting candidate for further studies on the prevention/treatment of IBD.

Hitting the Bull's-Eye in Metastatic Cancers-NSAIDs Elevate ROS in Mitochondria, Inducing Malignant Cell Death

Tumor metastases that impede the function of vital organs are a major cause of cancer related mortality. Mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by hypoxia, low nutrient levels, or other stresses, such as genotoxic events, act as key drivers of the malignant changes in primary tumors to enhance their progression to metastasis. Emerging evidence now indicates that mitochondrial modifications and mutations resulting from oxidative stress, and leading to OxPhos stimulation and/or enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, are essential for promoting and sustaining the highly metastatic phenotype. Moreover, the modified mitochondria in emerging or existing metastatic cancer cells, by their irreversible differences, provide opportunities for selectively targeting their mitochondrial functions with a one-two punch. The first blow would block their anti-oxidative defense, followed by the knockout blow—promoting production of excess ROS, capitulating the terminal stage—activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), specifically killing metastatic cancer cells or their precursors. This review links a wide area of research relevant to cellular mechanisms that affect mitochondria activity as a major source of ROS production driving the pro-oxidative state in metastatic cancer cells. Each of the important aspects affecting mitochondrial function are discussed including: hypoxia, HIFs and PGC1 induced metabolic changes, increased ROS production to induce a more pro-oxidative state with reduced antioxidant defenses. It then focuses on how the mitochondria, as a major source of ROS in metastatic cancer cells driving the pro-oxidative state of malignancy enables targeting drugs affecting many of these altered processes and why the NSAIDs are an excellent example of mitochondria-targeted agents that provide a one-two knockout activating the mPTP and their efficacy as selective anticancer metastasis drugs.