Liposome encapsulation of curcumin and resveratrol in combination reduces prostate cancer incidence in PTEN knockout mice.

Increasing interest in the use of phytochemicals to reduce prostate cancer led us to investigate 2 potential agents, curcumin and resveratrol as preventive agents. However, there is concern about the bioavailability of these agents pertinent to the poor absorption and thereby limiting its clinical use. With the view to improve their bioavailability, we used the liposome encapsulated curcumin, and resveratrol individually and in combination in male B6C3F1/J mice. Further, we examined the chemopreventive effect of liposome encapsulated curcumin and resveratrol in combination in prostate-specific PTEN knockout mice. In vitro assays using PTEN-CaP8 cancer cells were performed to investigate the combined effects curcumin with resveratrol on (i) cell growth, apoptosis and cell cycle (ii) impact on activated p-Akt, cyclin D1, m-TOR and androgen receptor (AR) proteins involved in tumor progression. HPLC analysis of serum and prostate tissues showed a significant increase in curcumin level when liposome encapsulated curcumin coadministered with liposomal resveratrol (p < 0.001). Combination of liposomal forms of curcumin and resveratrol significantly decreased prostatic adenocarcinoma in vivo (p < 0.001). In vitro studies revealed that curcumin plus resveratrol effectively inhibit cell growth and induced apoptosis. Molecular targets activated due to the loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) including p-Akt, cyclin D1, mammalian target of rapamycin and AR were downregulated by these agents in combination. Findings from this study for the first time provide evidence on phytochemicals in combination to enhance chemopreventive efficacy in prostate cancer. These findings clearly suggest that phytochemicals in combination may reduce prostate cancer incidence due to the loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN.

Inflammatory processes of prostate tissue microenvironment drive rat prostate carcinogenesis: preventive effects of celecoxib.

BACKGROUND: Prostate tissue microenvironment is susceptible to several risk factors including carcinogens, dietary factors, hormones, cytokines and growth factors that could induce chronic inflammation. Because of the difference in the serum levels and the intrinsic ability of monocytes/macrophages to cause harm, the transcriptional responses triggered by inflammatory stimuli must be controlled. Unfortunately, an in-depth association between prostate cancer and potential mediators of inflammation has not been completely investigated. METHODS: To determine whether activated macrophage (infiltrating monocytes), iNOS and NF-kappaB are primary mediators of inflammation, besides COX-2, in prostate carcinogenesis, we examined tissue sections of rat prostate tumor induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) plus testosterone in a follow-up study. We performed H&E and immunohsitochemical staining of the prostate tissue to detect specific markers of inflammation. RESULTS: We report an increase in infiltrating monocyte, iNOS, NF-kappaBp65, VEGF and TNF-alpha at the early and advanced stages of tumor growth in MNU plus testosterone treated rats. Monocyte infiltration was often found in the stromal and perivascular regions of the DL prostate. We conclude for the first time that prostate cancer induced by MNU plus testosterone partly involves mediators of inflammation which could trigger the process of carcinogenesis and cause loss of apoptosis. Selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib at a dose of 500 mg/kg/bw administered for 52 weeks reduced infiltrating monocytes, inhibited iNOS, NF-kappaB p65 expression, induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. CONCLUSION: Carcinogen plus testosterone induced prostate carcinogenesis showing activation of macrophage, iNOS and NF-kappaBp65 could be prevented by celecoxib or related anti-inflammatory agents.

Exisulind in combination with celecoxib modulates epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclooxygenase-2, and cyclin D1 against prostate carcinogenesis: in vivo evidence.

PURPOSE: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs mediate anticancer effects by modulating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent and/or COX-2-independent mechanism(s); however, the toxicity issue is a concern with single agents at higher doses. In this study, we determined the combined effect of celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, along with exisulind (sulindac sulfone/Aptosyn) at low doses in prostate cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We used a sequential regimen of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea + testosterone to induce prostate cancer in Wistar-Unilever rats. Following carcinogen treatment, celecoxib and exisulind individually and their combination at low doses were given in NIH-07 diet for 52 weeks. We determined the incidence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, adenocarcinomas, rate of tumor cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis were done to determine COX-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Akt, androgen receptor, and cyclin D1 expression. Serum prostaglandin E2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were determined using enzyme immunoassay/ELISA assays. RESULTS: The rats that received celecoxib in combination with exisulind at low doses showed a significant decrease in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinomas as well as an enhanced rate of apoptosis. An overall decrease in COX-2, EGFR, Akt, androgen receptor, and cyclin D1 expression was found associated with tumor growth inhibition. Reduced serum levels of COX-2 protein, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha indicated anti-inflammatory effects. A strong inhibition of total and phosphorylated form of EGFR (Tyr(992) and Tyr(845)) and Akt (Ser(473)) was significant in rats given with these agents in combination. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show for the first time that the combination of celecoxib with exisulind at low doses could prevent prostate carcinogenesis by altering key molecular events.

Anticancer effects of licofelone (ML-3000) in prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Licofelone, a potent antiinflammatory agent has been reported to interfere with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) signaling pathways with few side-effects. However, the underlying mechanism of licofelone against human cancer is not understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human and mouse prostate cancer cells were exposed to licofelone in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cell growth/cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX at the gene and protein levels were investigated. RESULTS: For the first time, it was demonstrated that licofelone inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and significantly down-regulated COX-2 and 5-LOX expression. A weak inhibitory effect on COX-1 protein was also observed. CONCLUSION: Licofelone inhibited COX-2 and 5-LOX simultaneously and prevented overall cancer cell growth by enhancing apoptosis in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells. Validating the dual role of licofelone in animal models of prostate cancer is critical for promoting its use as a potential chemopreventive or therapeutic agent.

RNA interference-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition prevents prostate cancer cell growth and induces differentiation: modulation of neuronal protein synaptophysin, cyclin D1, and androgen receptor.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in tumor development and progression. Inconsistent reports on the expression of COX-2 in early versus advanced prostate cancer raised the question on whether COX-2 inhibition affects prostate carcinogenesis. Evidence from recent studies indicates that prostate carcinogenesis depends on the altered expression of several factors including androgen receptor signaling, proinflammatory, and cell cycle regulatory genes. Very often, the outcome of androgen ablation treatment is not effective and, eventually, the cancer becomes androgen independent followed by activation of several survival genes and transcription factors. Most importantly, the extent of the influence of COX-2 on the regulation of the androgen receptor, cyclin D1, and other factors involved in cancer growth is not known. Using RNA interference-mediated COX-2 inhibition in metastatic prostate cancer cells, this study has shown that the silencing of COX-2 at the mRNA level can induce cell growth arrest and down-regulate androgen receptor and cyclin D1. We have further shown for the first time that COX-2 knockdown prostate cancer cells depict morphologic changes associated with enhanced expression of differentiation markers, particularly the neuronal protein synaptophysin along with activation of p21((Waf1/Cip1)) and p27((Kip1)). In summary, our findings determined the role of COX-2 in prostate carcinogenesis and its control on COX-2-independent targets. Second, abrogation of COX-2 and activation of synaptophysin provide evidence for the control of COX-2 on the expression of a neuronal protein. Finally, our findings provide evidence of COX-2-independent targets promoting cell growth arrest and differentiation in cells lacking COX-2 expression at the mRNA level.

Modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and related proinflammatory genes by the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in human colon cancer cells.

Epidemiological and preclinical studies demonstrate that consumption of diets high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of colon cancer. Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is mediated through modulation of more than one signaling pathway that alters the expression of genes involved in colon cancer growth. In our earlier studies on global gene expression with cDNA microarrays, we have shown that treatment of CaCo-2 colon cancer cells with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) down-regulated the prostaglandin family of genes, as well as cyclooxygenase 2 expression and several cell cycle-related genes, whereas it up-regulated caspases 5, 8, 9, and 10 that are associated with apoptosis. It is known that nitric oxide activates the cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme, which plays a pivotal role in the progression of colon cancer via prostaglandin synthesis and angiogenesis. The present study was undertaken to examine the multifaceted role of DHA in the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of related proinflammatory genes, as those have been shown to play a role in tumor progression. In addition, we aimed to identify associated target genes by DNA microarray, reverse transcription-PCR analysis, and cellular localization of iNOS expression in CaCo-2 cells. Results of this study demonstrate that treatment with DHA down-regulates iNOS in parallel with a differential expression and down-regulation of IFNs, cyclic GMP, and nuclear factor kappa B isoforms. More importantly, our findings clearly demonstrate the up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21((Waf1/Cip1)) and p27, differentiation-associated genes such as alkaline phosphatases, and neuronal differentiation factors. These finding strongly suggest that the antitumor activity of DHA may be attributed, at least in part, to an effect on iNOS regulatory genes. In addition, our results indicate the presence of specific gene expression profiles in human colon cancer that can be used as molecular targets for chemopreventive agents.

A combination of docosahexaenoic acid and celecoxib prevents prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and is associated with modulation of nuclear factor-kappaB, and steroid hormone receptors.

Epidemiological studies have provided evidence that high intake of saturated fat and/or animal fat increases the risk of prostate cancer, but on the other hand, diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), present in fish oils were found to reduce the risk. There are indications of an increased expression of immunoreactive PPARgamma in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and prostate cancer, suggesting that PPARgamma ligands may exert their own potent anti-proliferative effect against prostate cancer. The experimental evidence for the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in prostate carcinogenesis is well established through several investigations. It clearly suggests the need for development of strategies to inhibit COX-2 mediated prostate carcinogenesis. However, administration of high doses of COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, over longer periods may not be devoid of side effects. We assessed the efficacy of DHA and celecoxib individually and in combination at low doses in three prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145 and PC-3) measuring cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, and on the levels of expression of COX-2, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaBp65), and nuclear receptors, such as PPARgamma and retinoid X receptors (RXR), all of which presumably participate in prostate carcinogenesis. A 48-h incubation of prostate cancer cells with 5 microM each of DHA or celecoxib induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, and altered the expression of the above molecular parameters. Interestingly, the modulation of these cellular and molecular parameters was more pronounced in cells treated with low doses of DHA and celecoxib (2.5 microM each) in combination than in cells treated with the higher doses of individual agents. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that a combination of lower doses of the n-3 PUFA, and DHA with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib effectively modulates the above cellular and molecular parameters that are relevant to prostate cancer. This raises the intriguing prospect that the use of low doses of a COX-2 inhibitor in combination with an n-3 PUFA could be a highly promising strategy for prostate cancer chemoprevention while minimizing undesired side effects.

Regression of mouse prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate model.

PURPOSE: Epidemiologic studies have revealed a decreased risk of colon cancer among people who have regularly taken cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whereas the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib and exisulind, a metabolic product of sulindac, have gained increasing attention as efficacious chemopreventive agents against colon and prostate cancer, not much is known about the underlying molecular targets and mechanisms. Moreover, the side effects of NSAIDs are a major obstacle for large-scale application to the prevention of cancer in humans; for example, in the United States in 1998, there were 16,550 deaths from NSAID-induced gastrointestinal complications. The toxicity associated with these compounds is raising concerns, and more needs to be known about their mode of action and molecular targets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We used the transgenic mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, which exhibits similarities with human prostate cancer, including epithelial origin, progression from the PIN stage to adenocarcinoma, and metastasis by a transgene that is hormonally regulated by androgens. In addition to histologically analyzing the PIN lesions of the dorsolateral prostate from TRAMP mice, we delineated the molecular targets and mechanisms of celecoxib and exisulind against mouse PIN lesions. We performed Western blot analysis of the total protein lysate from the tissues of mouse PIN lesions to measure the level of expression of androgen receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, nuclear factor-kappaB p65, BclII, AKT (total and phosphorylated Ser473), p53, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1, p27, BAX, and caspase-3 to demonstrate the COX-2-independent mechanism involved in the inhibition of PIN lesions of the dorsolateral prostate by both celecoxib and exisulind. RESULTS: We found for the first time that (a) both celecoxib and exisulind as dietary supplements induce strong inhibitory effects against prostate cancer at doses of 800 and 500 ppm, respectively, after 16 weeks; (b) the histologic analysis of the dorsolateral prostate after 2 weeks of treatment indicated a reduction of PIN lesions from 75% to 19% with celecoxib and to 16% with exisulind; (c) more importantly, those few PINs and adenocarcinomas in the groups treated with celecoxib or exisulind showed more apoptotic cells, lower levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and a lower number of mitotic cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of PIN lesions, first, we examined the expression of molecular targets involved in angiogenesis and inflammatory processes. It was clearly evident from Western blot analysis of the total protein lysate derived from the dorsolateral prostate tissues with PIN lesions that expression of androgen receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, nuclear factor-kappaB p65, and BclII is down-regulated more effectively by celecoxib. Down-regulation of AKT protein (total and phosphorylated at Ser473) signaling by celecoxib clearly indicates an inhibition of the survival gene and the pathological process that could otherwise lead to adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings from this study clearly show the effectiveness of celecoxib and exisulind in reducing the PIN lesions by modulating a cascade of molecular targets involved in COX-2-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Whereas these agents are already in clinical trial or in use as chemopreventive agents, findings from this study demonstrate the difference in their mode of action, thus helping us to understand the side effects.

Suppression of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea/testosterone-induced rat prostate cancer growth by celecoxib: effects on cyclooxygenase-2, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis mechanism(s).

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at examining the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive effect of celecoxib against prostate cancer. We focused our attention on events at the cellular level to show the ability of celecoxib to inhibit prostate cancer growth, by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we attempted to demonstrate the expression of genes involved in the downstream events related to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) regulation and apoptosis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To determine the level of COX-2 expression, we used paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sections and cancer cells (I-26) derived from N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea/testosterone-induced rat dorsolateral prostate, and we used immunofluorescence detection and Western blot analyses with anti-COX-2 monoclonal antibodies. We conducted clonogenic cell survival assays to demonstrate cell growth inhibition at very low doses of celecoxib. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the effects on the cell cycle. Reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to show the effect of celecoxib on the downstream events of COX-2 and apoptosis-related targets. RESULTS: The summary of our findings indicates that (a). these cells from chemically induced rat prostate tumors express COX-2 at both the mRNA and the protein level; (b). celecoxib significantly reduces COX-2 expression in these cancer cells; and (c). celecoxib induces cell cycle arrest at the G(1)-S phase transition point and modifies cell cycle regulatory proteins such as cyclin D1, retinoblastoma (Rb), and phosphorylated Rb, cyclin E, p27(KIP1), and p21(WAF1/CIP1). Furthermore, celecoxib inhibits DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis. Most importantly, celecoxib-induced apoptosis was associated with down-regulation of COX-2, nuclear factor kappaBp65, and with activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, apoptosis activating factor-1, and caspase-3. CONCLUSION: Results from the present study clearly indicate that celecoxib exerts its anticancer effect partly through COX-2-independent mechanisms in addition to the known primary function of COX-2 inhibition.

Interactive gene expression pattern in prostate cancer cells exposed to phenolic antioxidants.

Dietary phenolic compounds are known to elicite vital cellular responses such as cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and differentiation by activating a cascade of molecular events. As there is an increasing interest to improve the efficacy of these compounds for use as potential chemopreventive agents, we wanted to understand the impact of phenolic compounds on target genes in prostate cancer. In this study we used human cDNA microarrays with 2400 clones consisting of 17 prosite motifs to characterize alterations in gene expression pattern in response to the phenolic antioxidants ellagic acid (EA) and resveratrol (RE). Over a 48-hr exposure of androgen - sensitive LNCaP cells to EA and RE, a total of 593 and 555 genes respectively, showed more than a two fold difference in expression. A distinct set of genes in both EA-and RE-treated cells may represent the signature profile of phenolic antioxidant-induced gene expression in LNCaP cells. Although extensive similarity was found between effects of EA - and RE - responsive genes in prostate cancer cells, out of 246 genes with overlapping responses, 25 genes showed an opposite effect. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to verify and validate the differential expression of selected genes identified from cDNA microarrays. In-depth analysis of the data from this study provided insight into the alterations in the p53 - responsive genes, p300, Apaf-1, NF-kBp50 and p65 and PPAR families of genes, suggesting the activation of multiple signaling pathways that leads to growth inhibition of LNCaP cells. This is a first study to look for changes in a large number of human genes in response to dietary compounds.

Characterization of multiple myeloma clonal cell expansion and stromal Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in hyaluronic acid-based 3D hydrogel.

BACKGROUND: Emerging interest on three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models to replace two-dimensional cultures of cancer cells and their xenografts in immunocompromised animal hosts prompted us to investigate the use of new biodegradable gels to recapitulate the physiological conditions of the microenvironment of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, for the first time, we used a new 3D model of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels with difference in their matrix composition and stiffness. RESULTS: We demonstrated that hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels perfectly accommodate MM cells; confirmed by cell survival, migration, colony forming units and expression of cell adhesion proteins of the Wnt signaling pathways over a period of time. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first 3D microenvironment data that HA-based hydrogels could provide with a suitable 3D substratum for MM cells to comprehensively analyze phenotypic changes and the influence of bone marrow stromal stem cells on Wnt/ß catenin signaling in response to targeted drug treatments.

Antagonistic effect of small-molecule inhibitors of Wnt/ß-catenin in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Development and progression of multiple myeloma is dependent on the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, and within the BM, a number of factors are secreted, including the Wnt ligands. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) secrete Wnt ligands that activate Wnt signaling in multiple myeloma. The canonical Wnt pathway which is mediated through the transcriptional effector ß-catenin (ß-cat) is commonly de-regulated in many cancers. Cells with active ß-cat-regulated transcription (CRT) are protected against apoptosis; conversely, inhibition of CRT may prevent cell proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we tested the efficacy of recently described inhibitors of CRT (iCRTs; oxazole and thiazole) for their selective antagonistic effect on Wnt-ß-cat response in MM cells MM.1, U266, BMSC and primary BMMC obtained from patient samples (n=16). RESULTS: We demonstrated that iCRTs we used, block Wnt/ß-cat reporter activity, down regulate ß-cat expression and inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner with an optimal dose closer to 15 µM. Our data further indicate that iCRTs do not influence the expression of the upstream components of the Wnt pathway DKK1 at the optimal dose, suggesting that iCRTs may specifically target ß-cat in MM cells. Additionally, iCRT-treatment of MM cells, co-cultured with BMSC, showed an inhibitory effect on VEGF and cell migration. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first in vitro data evaluation of newly-described iCRTs as potential Wnt-ß-cat/VEGF pathway antagonists in multiple myeloma.

Chemopreventive agents alters global gene expression pattern: predicting their mode of action and targets.

Chemoprevention has the potential to be a major component of colon, breast, prostate and lung cancer control. Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies provide evidence that antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and several other phytochemicals possess unique modes of action against cancer growth. However, the mode of action of several of these agents at the gene transcription level is not completely understood. Completion of the human genome sequence and the advent of DNA microarrays using cDNAs enhanced the detection and identification of hundreds of differentially expressed genes in response to anticancer drugs or chemopreventive agents. In this review, we are presenting an extensive analysis of the key findings from studies using potential chemopreventive agents on global gene expression patterns, which lead to the identification of cancer drug targets. The summary of the study reports discussed in this review explains the extent of gene alterations mediated by more than 20 compounds including antioxidants, fatty acids, NSAIDs, phytochemicals, retinoids, selenium, vitamins, aromatase inhibitor, lovastatin, oltipraz, salvicine, and zinc. The findings from these studies further reveal the utility of DNA microarray in characterizing and quantifying the differentially expressed genes that are possibly reprogrammed by the above agents against colon, breast, prostate, lung, liver, pancreatic and other cancer types. Phenolic antioxidant resveratrol found in berries and grapes inhibits the formation of prostate tumors by acting on the regulatory genes such as p53 while activating a cascade of genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis including p300, Apaf-1, cdk inhibitor p21, p57 (KIP2), p53 induced Pig 7, Pig 8, Pig 10, cyclin D, DNA fragmentation factor 45. The group of genes significantly altered by selenium includes cyclin D1, cdk5, cdk4, cdk2, cdc25A and GADD 153. Vitamine D shows impact on p21(Waf1/Cip1) p27 cyclin B and cyclin A1. Genomic expression profile with vitamin D indicated differential expression of gene targets such as c-JUN, JUNB, JUND, FREAC-1/FoxF1, ZNF-44/KOX7, plectin, filamin, and keratin-13, involved in antiproliferative, differentiation pathways. The agent UBEIL has a remarkable effect on cyclin D1. Curcumin mediated NrF2 pathway significantly altered p21(Waf1/Cip1) levels. Aromatase inhibitors affected the expression of cyclin D1. Interestingly, few dietary compounds listed in this review also have effect on APC, cdk inhibitors p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27. Tea polyphenol EGCG has a significant effect on TGF-beta expression, while several other earlier studies have shown its effect on cell cycle regulatory proteins. This review article reveals potential chemoprevention drug targets, which are mainly centered on cell cycle regulatory pathway genes in cancer.

Docosahexaenoic acid in combination with celecoxib modulates HSP70 and p53 proteins in prostate cancer cells.

The role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the mechanism by which it influences the development and behavior of prostate cancer is unclear. Selective COX-2 inhibitors may be effective against prostate cancer via COX-2-independent mechanisms. But administration of high doses of COX-2 inhibitors over longer period of time may not be devoid of side effects. There is increasing interest in using COX-2 inhibitors in combination with other chemopreventive agents to overcome the issue of toxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their combined actions are not well understood. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effects of low doses of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in combination with celecoxib on the molecular targets at the proteins level in rat prostate cancer cells. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, in combination with mass spectrometry analysis, was used for protein identification. Western blot analysis confirmed the proteins identified. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections from the rat prostate tumor were used to detect base level expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and p53. The rate of cancer cell growth was inhibited more effectively (p < 0.01) by DHA in combination with celecoxib at lower doses (2.5 microM each). A total number of twelve proteins were differentially expressed by the combined action of DHA and celecoxib at low doses. It was interesting to note that these agents activated both HSP70 and p53 proteins. Activation of HSP70 by the combined actions of DHA and celecoxib in the presence of wild-type p53 reveals a unique COX-2 independent mode of action against prostate cancer.

Adenocarcina of the mouse prostate growth inhibition by celecoxib: downregulation of transcription factors involved in COX-2 inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown a decreased risk of prostate cancer among men who regularly take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this study, we examined a dose-dependent effect of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, celecoxib against transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate. METHODS: Efficacy of four different doses in parts per million of celecoxib, such as 200 ppm, 400 ppm, 600 ppm, and 1,000 ppm representing very low, moderate, and high doses, respectively were tested against adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate using a transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model assay. RESULTS: Dietary supplement of celecoxib at doses of 400 ppm, 600 ppm, and 1,000 ppm are most effective against mPIN (mouse prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia) and adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Tumor growth inhibition by celecoxib was associated with increased rate of apoptosis. At 1,000 ppm, a complete inhibition of the PIN lesions was extended to limit the growth of adenocarcinoma (from 85% to 15%) and metastasis of the mouse prostate. The chemopreventive effect was significant (P<0.01) at 400 ppm, 600 ppm, and 1,000 ppm doses compared to that at the lowest dose of 200 ppm and control. A dose-dependent effect on tumor growth inhibition was associated with reduced expression of NF-kappaBp65 and COX-2. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation of celecoxib at different doses provides evidence for the suppression of prostate adenocarcinoma tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Suppression of adenocarcinoma by celecoxib further limits the growth of metastatic prostate cancer.

Resveratrol-induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis is associated with modulation of phosphoglycerate mutase B in human prostate cancer cells: two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry evaluation.

Several studies provide evidence for the anti-carcinogenic activity of resveratrol, a phytoalexin present in grapes and berries, but the precise mechanisms involved in the modulation of prostate carcinogenesis by resveratrol remain to be elucidated. The inhibitory effects induced by resveratrol in human prostate cancer cells impact diverse cellular mechanisms associated with tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. In our earlier studies with prostate cancer cells using cDNA microarray analysis, we indicated the importance of p53-mediated molecular targets of resveratrol. The present study based on two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-SDS-PAGE) followed by mass spectrometry analysis of human prostate cells that have been treated with resveratrol clearly identifies the role of phosphoglycerate mutase B. For the first time, we report on phosphoglycerate mutase B in the resveratrol-treated prostate cancer cells LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 at the transcription level. Our observations raise the possibility of its effect on metabolic enzymes in cancer cells without affecting the normal cells.

Differential expression of genes induced by resveratrol in LNCaP cells: P53-mediated molecular targets.

Prostate cancer prevention by key elements present in human nutrients derived from plants and fruits has been confirmed in various cell cultures and tumor models. Resveratrol (RE), a phytoalexin, induces remarkable inhibitory effects in prostate carcinogenesis via diverse cellular mechanisms associated with tumor initiation, promotion and progression. Earlier studies have shown that RE alters the expression of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis, including cyclins, cdks, p53 and cdk inhibitors. However, most of the p53-controlled effects related to the role of RE in transcription either by activation or repression of a sizable number of primary and secondary target genes have not been investigated. Our study examined whether RE activates a cascade of p53-directed genes that are involved in apoptosis mechanism(s) or whether it modifies the androgen receptor and its co-activators directly or indirectly and induces cell growth inhibition. We demonstrate by DNA microarray, RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses that treatment of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) with 10(-5) M RE for 48 hr downregulates prostate-specific antigen (PSA), AR co-activator ARA 24 and NF-kB p65. Altered expression of these genes is associated with an activation of p53-responsive genes such as p53, PIG 7, p21(Waf1-Cip1), p300/CBP and Apaf-1. The effect of RE on p300/CBP plays a central role in its cancer preventive mechanisms in LNCaP cells. Our results implicate activation of more than one set of functionally related molecular targets. At this point we have identified some of the key molecular targets associated with AR and p53 target genes. These findings point to the need for further extensive studies on AR co-activators, such as p300, its central role in post-translational modifications such as acetylation of p53 and/or AR by RE in a time- and dose-dependent manner at different stages of prostate cancer that will fully elucidate the role of RE as a chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer in humans.

Effects of a combination of docosahexaenoic acid and 1,4-phenylene bis(methylene) selenocyanate on cyclooxygenase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and beta-catenin pathways in colon cancer cells.

Epidemiological and preclinical studies suggest that diets that are rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and selenium (Se) reduce the risk of colon cancer. Studies conducted in our laboratory have indicated that synthetic organoselenium 1,4-phenylene bis(methylene) selenocyanate (p-XSC) is less toxic and more effective than inorganic Se and selenomethionine, the major Se compound in natural selenium yeast. Through cDNA microarray analysis, we have demonstrated earlier that the n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), modulated more than one signaling pathway by altering several genes involved in colon cancer growth. There is increasing interest in the use of combinations of low doses of chemopreventive agents that differ in their specific modes of action as this approach can minimize toxicity and increase efficacy in model assays. In the present study we assessed the efficacy of DHA and p-XSC individually and in combination at low doses in CaCo-2 colon cancer cells, using cell growth inhibition and apoptosis as measures of chemopreventive efficacy. On the basis of western blot and RT-PCR analysis, we also determined the effects of DHA and p-XSC on the levels of expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclin D1, beta-catenin and nuclear factor kappaB, all of which presumably participate in colon carcinogenesis. A 48 h incubation of CaCo-2 cells with 5 microM each DHA or p-XSC induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis and altered the expression of the above molecular parameters. Interestingly, the modulation of these cellular and molecular parameters was more pronounced in cells treated with low doses of DHA and p-XSC (2.5 microM each) in combination than in cells treated with these agents individually at higher concentrations (5.0 microM each). These findings are viewed as highly significant since they will provide the basis for the development of combinations of low dose regimens of DHA and p-XSC in preclinical models against colon carcinogenesis and, ultimately, in human clinical trials.

Elucidation of molecular targets of mammary cancer chemoprevention in the rat by organoselenium compounds using cDNA microarray.

We employed cDNA microarray analysis to identify, in mammary adenocarcinomas induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) in the rat, target genes as potential biomarkers for cancer chemoprevention by 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)selenocyanate (p-XSC). Confirmation of selected genes was conducted by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The glutathione conjugate, p-XSeSG, a putative metabolite of p-XSC was also employed to test our hypothesis that p-XSeSG is a more effective cancer chemopreventive agent in the mammary cancer model than p-XSC. Mammary adenocarcinomas were induced by a single oral administration of 5 mg DMBA in 0.2 ml olive oil per rat at 50-55 days of age. Consistent with our previous reports, dietary p-XSC at a non-toxic dose (10 p.p.m. as selenium) significantly inhibited adenocarcinoma development, independent of feeding duration. Moreover, p-XSeSG appears to be just as effective as p-XSC when fed after DMBA administration, but was significantly less effective than p-XSC in inhibiting the induction of mammary adenocarcinomas when it was fed before DMBA and continued until termination. To delineate the molecular basis for cancer chemoprevention by organoselenium compounds, we focused our analysis on differential expression of genes known to be involved in DMBA metabolism, as well as those related to cell cycle, cell proliferation and apoptosis. p-XSC and p-XSeSG were significantly and equally effective in inhibiting levels of expression of genes associated with cytochrome P450 isoforms, but the former was more active than the latter in up-regulating the expression of those related to certain phase II enzymes. p-XSC and p-XSeSG were significantly more effective in the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes, such as p21CIP1/WAF1, p27KIP1, APO-1 and Caspase-3, while down-regulating cell growth regulatory genes, such as c-myc, cyclin D1, cyclin D2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). To our knowledge, this is the first report that provides insights into the effects of p-XSC and p-XSeSG at the molecular level that may account for mammary cancer chemoprevention in vivo in the rat.