Celecoxib inhibits insulin-like growth factor 1 induced growth and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer

To explore the effect of kaempferol on non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common pathological type of lung cancer, which has a serious impact on human life, health, psychology and life. At present, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and other methods commonly used in clinic are prone to drug resistance and toxic side effects. Natural extracts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have attracted wide attention in cancer treatment because of their small toxic and side effects. Kaempferol is a flavonoid from natural plants, which has been proved to have anticancer properties in many cancers such as lung cancer, but the exact molecular mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, on the basis of in vitro experiments, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to study the potential mechanism of kaempferol in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The target of kaempferol was obtained from the public database (PharmMapper, Swiss target prediction), and the target of non-small cell lung cancer was obtained from the disease database (Genecards and TTD). At the same time, we collected gene chips GSE32863 and GSE75037 in conjunction with GEO database to obtain differential genes. By drawing Venn diagram, we get the intersection target of kaempferol and NSCLC. Through enrichment analysis, PI3K/AKT is identified as the possible key signal pathway. PIK3R1, AKT1, EGFR and IGF1R were selected as key targets by topological analysis and molecular docking, and the four key genes were further verified by analyzing the gene and protein expression of key targets. These findings provide a direction for further research of kaempferol in the treatment of NSCLC.

Different roles of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the deadliest malignant diseases, with high incidence and mortality worldwide. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis, consisting of IGF-1, IGF-2, related receptors (IGF-1R, -2R), and high-affinity binding proteins (IGFBP 1–6), is associated with promoting fetal development, tissue growth, and metabolism. Emerging studies have also identified the role of the IGF axis in NSCLC, including cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. Upregulation of IGE-1 and IGF-2, overexpression of IGF-1R, and dysregulation of downstream signaling molecules involved in the PI-3K/Akt and MAPK pathways jointly increase the risk of cancer growth and migration in NSCLC. At the genetic level, some noncoding RNAs could influence the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells through the IGF signaling pathway. The resistance to some promising drugs might be partially attributed to the IGF axis. Therapeutic strategies targeting the IGF axis have been evaluated, and some have shown promising efficacy. In this review, we summarize the biological roles of the IGF axis in NSCLC, including the expression and prognostic significance of the related components, noncoding RNA regulation, involvement in drug resistance, and therapeutic application. This review offers comprehensive understanding of NSCLC and provides insightful ideas for future research.

Structure-Activity Relationships of UTX-121 Derivatives for the Development of Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase-2/9 Inhibitors

Celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been reported to have antitumor and antimetastatic activities, and it has potential for application in cancer treatments. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 is strongly correlated with cancer malignancy, and inhibition of these MMPs is believed to be effective in improving the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of drugs. We have previously revealed that UTX-121, which converted the sulfonamide of celecoxib to methyl ester, has more potent MMP-2/9 inhibitory activity than celecoxib. Based on these findings, we identified compounds with improved MMP inhibitory activity through a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, using UTX-121 as a lead compound. Among them, compounds 9c and 10c, in which the methyl group of the p-tolyl group was substituted for Cl or F, showed significantly higher antitumor activity than UTX-121, and suppressed the expression of MMP-2/9 and activation of pro MMP-2. Our findings suggest that compounds 9c and 10c may be potent lead compounds for the development of more effective antitumor drugs targeting MMP.

Pulmonary Delivery of Docetaxel and Celecoxib by PLGA Porous Microparticles for Their Synergistic Effects Against Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

using a combination of chemotherapeutic agents with novel drug delivery platforms to enhance the anticancer efficacy of the drug and minimizing the side effects, is very imperative for lung cancer treatments.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to develop, characterize, and optimize porous poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for simultaneous delivery of docetaxel (DTX) and celecoxib (CXB) through the pulmonary route for lung cancer.

METHODS

Drug-loaded porous microparticles were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation method. The impact of various processing and formulation variables including PLGA amount, dichloromethane volume, homogenization speed, polyvinyl alcohol volume and concentration were assessed on entrapment efficiency, mean release time, particle size, mass median aerodynamic diameter, fine particle fraction and geometric standard deviation using a two-level factorial design. An optimized formulation was prepared and evaluated in terms of size and morphology using a scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

FTIR, DSC, and XRD analysis confirmed drug entrapment and revealed no drug-polymer chemical interaction. Cytotoxicity of DTX along with CXB against A549 cells was significantly enhanced compared to DTX and CXB alone and the combination of DTX and CXB showed the greatest synergistic effect at a 1/500 ratio.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that encapsulation of DTX and CXB in porous PLGA microspheres with desirable features are feasible and their pulmonary co-administration would be a promising strategy for the effective and less toxic treatment of various lung cancers.

Circ_0014130 Participates in the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cells via the miR-142-5p/IGF-1 Axis

Background: Abnormal expression of circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play an important role in the progression of cancer. However, the role of circRNAs on nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. This study aims to reveal the effects and potential mechanisms of circRNA on NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of circ_0014130 in NSCLC tissues and cells. After silencing circ_0014130 in NSCLC cells H1299 and A549, MTT assay or flow cytometry was performed to analyze the proliferation or the apoptosis of cells, respectively. The relationships between circ_0014130, miR-142-5p, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were validated by dual-luciferase reporter system and RNA pull-down. Western blot was used to detect the protein level of IGF-1 after the interference with circ_0014130 in NSCLC cells. Results: Circ_0014130 was abnormally highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. After shRNA interfering circ_0014130 of NSCLC cells H1299 and A549, the NSCLC cell proliferation was inhibited and the cell apoptosis was promoted. By dual-luciferase reporter system and RNA pull-down assays, circ_0014130, miR-142-5p, and IGF-1 were confirmed to interact directly. After the transfection with si-circ_0014130 in NSCLC cells, the protein level of IGF-1 was reduced, and the cell proliferation was inhibited and the cell apoptosis was promoted, whereas these effects were reversed after cotransfection with miR-142-5p inhibitor. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the silencing circ_0014130 inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis by upregulating miR-142-5p and downregulating IGF-1 expression. This might provide new strategies for future diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.

BMS-754807 is cytotoxic to non-small cell lung cancer cells and enhances the effects of platinum chemotherapeutics in the human lung cancer cell line A549

Background

Despite advances in targeted therapy for lung cancer, survival for patients remains poor and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) has emerged as a potential target for lung cancer treatment, however, clinical trials to date have provided disappointing results. Further research is needed to identify if certain patients would benefit from IGF-IR targeted therapies and the ideal approach to incorporate IGF-IR targeted agents with current therapies.

Methods

The dual IGF-IR/insulin receptor inhibitor, BMS-754807, was evaluated alone and in combination with platinum-based chemotherapeutics in two human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Cell survival was determined using WST-1 assays and drug interaction was evaluated using Calcusyn software. Proliferation and apoptosis were determined using immunofluorescence for phospho-histone H3 and cleaved caspase 3, respectively.

Results

Treatment with BMS-754807 alone reduced cell survival and wound closure while enhancing apoptosis in both human lung cancer cell lines. These effects appear to be mediated through IGF-IR/IR signaling and, at least in part, through the PI3K/AKT pathway as administration of BMS-754807 to A549 or NCI-H358 cells significantly suppressed IGF-IR/IR and AKT phosphorylation. In addition of BMS-754807 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of carboplatin or cisplatin in a synergistic manner when given simultaneously to A549 cells.

Conclusions

BMS-754807 may be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of NSCLC, particularly in lung cancer cells expressing high levels of IGF-IR.

Celecoxib Treatment Alters p53 and MDM2 Expression via COX-2 Crosstalk in A549 Cells

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the lung cancer. It is known that COX-2 negatively regulates the activity of a number of tumor suppressors, including p53. Consequently, inhibition of COX-2 signaling is anticipated to be a promising approach to stabilize p53 functionality. In this regard, we investigated the effect of COX-2 signaling blockade on p53 and COX-2expression in A549 cells. Cell viability was assessed using MTT and protein expression was measured using Western Blot assay. Results revealed that Celecoxib dose-dependently induced growth inhibition within 24 h. However, prolonged exposure to the drug up to 48 h led to increase cell viability compared to the corresponding control. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Celecoxib could augment p53 expression within 24 h, independently of COX-2 inhibition. In contrast, Celecoxib treatment not only returned p53 to the control level, but also strikingly induced COX-2 expression within 48 h. Of further relevance, Celecoxib exposure could significantly result in MDM2 elevation at 48 h. These findings represent p53 as a molecular target being interconnected with COX-2 signaling axis upon Celecoxib treatment. Moreover, our data point toward the possibility that Celecoxib treatment may not be a proper therapeutic strategy in lung cancer cells owing to its potential role in the activation of oncogenes, including COX-2 and MDM2 which seemingly confers a chemoresistance circumstance to the cell. Consequently, these results underscore intensive preclinical assessment prior to applying COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of lung tumors.