LLW-3-6 and celecoxib impacts growth in prostate cancer cells and subcellular localization of COX-2.

The proliferation in human prostate carcinomas, PC3 and MDA-PCa-2b, was analyzed for cells treated with LLW-3-6 and celecoxib in the presence and absence of sulfasalazine. LLW-3-6 was more potent than celecoxib at mediating a dose-dependent reduction of viable PC3 cells. Co-treatment with a non-lethal dose of sulfasalazine diminished the potency of both drugs in this cell line. The effects of the drugs in MDA-PCa-2b cells were less significant than those observed in the PC3 cells. Localization of COX-2 in LLW-3-6- and CBX-treated PC3 cells is consistent with protein aggregation known for cells responding to stress stimuli. To complement this, an analysis of the theoretical binding interactions of LLW-3-6 was completed to illustrate the potential of LLW-3-6 to bind to COX-2 in a manner similar to that of celecoxib. Studies to further define the mechanism of action for LLW-3-6 are ongoing. Copyright