Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is known as an important enzyme in the inflammation process that has tumorigenesis function in various cancers through the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell proliferation, migration, and invasion that lead to metastasis. Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can selectively target COX-2, suppress downstream pathways, and finally lead to anticancer potentiality. microRNAs (miRNAs), as a class of small noncoding RNAs, play pivotal roles in cancers through the tumor-suppressive or oncogenic effects, by post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes. In this regard, shreds of evidence have shown that, COX-2 reveals its action through miRNA regulation. So, in this systematic review, we aimed to highlight the tumorigenic role of COX-2 in cancer development and the therapeutic effects of celecoxib, as a selective COX-2 drug, through the regulation of miRNAs.
Keywords: COX-2; Cancer; Celecoxib; miRNA.
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