Background: To evaluate the effects of celecoxib, in combination with oxaliplatin, on tumour growth, cell apoptosis and angiogenesis in nude mice models.
Materials and methods: Xenograft mice model of colon cancer was established using the BALB/c nude mice. Medicine was administered respectively in different groups. Tumour volumes, the expression level of survivin, beta-catenin, VEGF mRNA level, the microvessel density and cell apoptosis were measured.
Results: Celecoxib, oxaliplatin and combination use caused a tumour inhibition of 35%, 31% and 63% respectively. Compared with control group, a significant redation of angiogenesis and the levels of COX-2, survivin and beta-cantenin protein, and increase of cell apoptosis were detected in tumors in celecoxib group. Celecoxib in combination with oxaliplatin could further promote cell apoptosis and reduce beta-catenin protein expression.
Conclusion: Celecoxib could inhibit tumor growth and enhance the antitumor effects of oxaliplatin through their synergistic role in inhibiting different targets.