Influence of celecoxib on the expression of CD44v6 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cell line

Purpose To evaluate the effect and mechanism of celecoxib(a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor) on the invasive ability of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) line CNE-2Z.Methods MTT assay was used to detect the effect of celecoxib on NPC cell proliferation.After treated with different concentrations of celecoxib for 24 hours,the reconstituted basement membrane invasion assay was used for evaluating the changes of NPC cell invasion capacity.CD44v6 mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to detect CD44v6 protein expression.Results MTT results indicated NPC cell proliferation was significantly suppressed by celecoxib in dose-dependent manner(P0.01).After treated with celecoxib for 24 hours,NPC cell invasion capacity was significantly decreased compared with control group(P0.05).RT-PCR results indicated that CD44v6 mRNA expression was significantly suppressed by celecoxib(P0.01).Western blot and immunocytochemistry results suggested that CD44v6 protein expressions were significantly down-regulated with celecoxib concentrations increased(P0.01).Conclusions Celecoxib inhibits invasion ability of NPC cell due to the down-regulation of CD44v6 expression.