Aspirin induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.
Aspirin has been well known for its anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory action over the past century. Its main action in the gastro-intestinal tract has always been associated with erosion and ulceration. However in recent years, there has been evidence suggesting that aspirin and the more potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), could reduce the risk of gastric and colon cancer. One of the possible mechanisms in chemo-prevention is the ability to induce apoptosis in epithelial cells of the gastro-intestinal origin. This article introduces the role of apoptosis in the body and the gastro-intestinal tract. Evidence on the chemo-preventive role of aspirin and NSAIDs are listed, and the mechanisms of action discussed.
Wong
B C
BC
Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, China.
Zhu
G H
GH
Lam
S K
SK
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000378:metabolism; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496511:PTGS1 protein, human; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; D001241:Aspirin