Inhibitory effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on tumor growth in mice

Objective To compare the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on liver cancer in mice. Methods Kunming breed mice were subcutaneously inoculated with mouse hepatoma H22 cells. Beginning from the following day, the mice were orally administered with ibuprofen, indomethacin or nimesulide, respectively, for 21 days. Tumor apoptosis was quantified with electron microscopy. The expression of COX 1 and COX 2 was examined by Western blot. Results The three kinds of NSAIDs, especially nimesulide, could reduce tumor weight. Typical apoptotic morphological changes were seen in all the 3 treated groups. Western blot analysis revealed that nimesulide greatly reduced COX 2 expression but did not change COX 1 expression. Conclusions This study shows a direct in vivo effect of NSAID-derived drugs in a solid murine hepatoma model. Induction of apoptosis might be one of mechanisms of inhibition of mouse hepatoma by NSAIDs.