Experimental Studies on Celecoxib-induced Hepatoma Cell Apoptosis and Its Molecular Mechanism

To investigate the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by selective Cyclooxyygenare-2(COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Two human hepatocarcinoma cell strains, Bel-7402 and SMMC-7721, were cultured and treated with celecoxib. Cell growth rates were assessed by monotetrazdium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Apoptosis was examined by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry with imaging analysis was used to determine COX-2 expression and Akt phosphorylation level. The expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Akt phosphorylation were also examined by Western Blot analysis. Results: The celecoxib inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of the two hepatocarcinoma cell strains in a dose and time dependent manner. Remarkable activation of caspase and significant reduction of Akt (Thr308) phosphorylation could be observed by Western blotting. Conclusion: The celecoxib inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of the Bel-7402 and SMMC-7721 cells in a dose and time dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis by the mechanism of Akt/caspase pathway - dependent signal transduction.