The cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib perturbs intracellular calcium by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases: a plausible link with its anti-tumour effect and cardiovascular risks.

Substantial evidence indicates that the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib, a widely prescribed anti-inflammatory agent, displays anti-tumour effect by sensitizing cancercells to apoptosis. As part of our effort to understand the mechanism by which celecoxib mediates apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancercells, we investigated its effect on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Digital ratiometric imaging analysis indicates that exposure of PC-3cells to celecoxib stimulates an immediate [Ca 2+ ] i rise in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Kinetic data show that this Ca 2+ signal arises from internal Ca 2+ release in conjunction with external Ca 2+ influx. Examinations of the biochemical mechanism responsible for this Ca 2+ mobilization indicate that celecoxib blocks endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca 2+ -ATPases. Consequently, inhibition of this Ca 2+ reuptake mechanism results in Ca 2+ mobilization from ER stores followed by capacitative calcium entry, leading to [Ca 2+ ] i elevation. In view of the important role of Ca 2+ in apoptosis regulation, this Ca 2+ perturbation may represent part of the signalling mechanism that celecoxib uses to trigger rapid apoptotic death in cancercells. This Ca 2+ -ATPase inhibitory activity is highly specific for celecoxib, and is not noted with other COX inhibitors tested, including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, rofecoxib (Vioxx ® ), DuP697 and NS398. Moreover, it is noteworthy that this activity is also observed in many other cell lines examined, including A7r5 smooth musclecells, NIH 3T3 fibroblastcells and Jurkat Tcells. Consequently, this Ca 2+ -perturbing effect may provide a plausible link with the reported toxicities of celecoxib such as increased cardiovascular risks in long-term anti-inflammatory therapy.