• 10/19/2004
  • Martina Pelzmann; Dietmar Thurnher; Claudia Gedlicka; Helga Martinek; Birgit Knerer
  • Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine November 2004, vol. 33, no. 10, pp. 607-613

Background:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). There are two isoforms of the enzyme. Recent investigations indicate that both isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, are involved in carcinogenesis.

Methods:
We investigated the effects of nimesulide, a COX-2 selective and indomethacin, a non-selective NSAID on the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines SCC-9 and SCC-25. Effects on cell numbers and apoptosis were assayed by cell counting, immunofluorescence and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). COX expression was examined by Western blotting.

Results:
The investigated cell lines express COX-1 and COX-2. Nimesulide and indomethacin induce apoptosis and cause a reduction of cell number. Incubation with NSAIDs upregulated COX-2 expression.

Conclusion:
The results of our study on HNSCC cells together with data from different studies showing anti-cancer activity of NSAIDs suggest that COX inhibitors could play a role in HNSCC treatment and prevention.