Celecoxib inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis via cyclooxygenase-2 and PGE_2 pathway in human pancreatic carcinoma cell line JF-305

Objective To evaluate the effects and mechanisms of celecoxib in inducing proliferation inhibition and apoptosis on human pancreatic carcinoma cells. Methods The anti-proliferative effect was measured by using Methabenzthiazuron (MTT) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. The prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) levels in the supernatant of cultured pancreatic carcinoma cells were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunoabsordent assay (ELISA).Results Celecoxib suppressed the production of PGE 2 and inhibited growth of JF-305 cells; and the anti-proliferative effect of celecoxib could be abolished by addition of PGE 2. Celecoxib induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis by G 1-S cell cycle arrest.Conclusion Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitor celecoxib inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of human pancreatic carcinoma cells via suppression of PGE 2 production in vitro.