Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in colon experimental carcinogenesis

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J F Noguera Aguilar1, I Amengual Antich, A Plaza Martínez

  • 1Unit of Surgery, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Baleares. jnoguera@hsll.es

Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|November 4, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High-dose rofecoxib significantly inhibited chemical colon carcinogenesis in rats. This selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor reduced tumor incidence and COX-2 expression, suggesting its preventive potential.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is observed in colon tumors.
  • COX-2 specific inhibitors are potential preventive agents for colon cancer.
  • This study investigates COX-2 inhibitors' effects on chemically induced colon tumors in rats.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of selective and non-selective COX-2 inhibitors in preventing colon cancer.
  • To assess the impact of rofecoxib on chemically induced colonic carcinogenesis.
  • To determine the effect of rofecoxib on COX-2 expression in tumoral tissue.

Main Methods:

  • An experimental study involving 65 male Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • Rats were divided into four groups: control, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), low-dose rofecoxib, and high-dose rofecoxib.
  • Chemical carcinogenesis was induced using 1-2 dimethylhydrazine (1-2 DMH) over 18 weeks.

Main Results:

  • High-dose rofecoxib (3 mg/kg) significantly reduced chemical colon carcinogenesis (p < 0.01).
  • Lower doses of rofecoxib reduced adenoma incidence (p < 0.05) but not adenocarcinomas.
  • Rofecoxib decreased COX-2 expression in tumoral tissue from both adenomas and adenocarcinomas (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Rofecoxib demonstrates preventive effects against chemical colon carcinogenesis in rats.
  • The drug reduces tumoral colonic percentage in adenocarcinomas.
  • Rofecoxib effectively reduces tumoral COX-2 expression, supporting its role as a preventive agent.

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