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Published on: March 18, 2014
Antineoplastic effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meloxicam on canine osteosarcoma cells
Birgitt Wolfesberger1, Ingrid Walter, Claudia Hoelzl
1Clinic of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
A decisive role in cancer development has been attributed to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, but the significance of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer treatment still needs to be thoroughly investigated. We studied the influence of meloxicam, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug with preferential inhibitory effects on COX-2 compared to COX-1, on canine osteosarcoma (D-17) cells. We demonstrated that D-17 cells expressed mRNA and COX-2 protein. Treatment with meloxicam induced a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cellular growth. To determine if apoptosis plays a role in meloxicam-induced cell death, we performed agarose gel electrophoresis and found a DNA-ladder pattern, typically seen in apoptosis, as well as early apoptotic changes by Annexin V tests. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural alterations typical of apoptosis. Quantification of apoptotic cells by immunohistochemical staining of caspase 3 confirmed the results. However, further studies with meloxicam are necessary to assess its potential use for treatment of osteosarcomas in dogs.
Insights
Meloxicam, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, demonstrated significant anti-cancer effects on canine osteosarcoma cells. This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced cell death through apoptosis, warranting further investigation for osteosarcoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a role in cancer development.
- The therapeutic potential of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer treatment requires further investigation.
- Canine osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of meloxicam, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, on canine osteosarcoma (D-17) cells.
- To determine if meloxicam-induced cell death involves apoptosis.
- To assess the potential of meloxicam as a treatment for canine osteosarcomas.
Main Methods:
- D-17 cells were treated with meloxicam.
- Cellular growth inhibition was measured.
- Apoptosis was assessed using agarose gel electrophoresis, Annexin V staining, electron microscopy, and caspase 3 immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- D-17 cells expressed COX-2 mRNA and protein.
- Meloxicam treatment resulted in time- and dose-dependent inhibition of D-17 cell growth.
- Evidence of apoptosis, including DNA laddering, Annexin V staining, ultrastructural alterations, and caspase 3 activation, was observed.
Conclusions:
- Meloxicam exhibits anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on canine osteosarcoma cells.
- The findings suggest meloxicam's potential in managing canine osteosarcoma.
- Further research is needed to evaluate meloxicam's efficacy and safety for treating canine osteosarcomas.
