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.