COX-2 overexpression in canine tumors: potential therapeutic targets in oncology.
Cyclooxygenases catalyze the initial, rate-limiting steps of prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonic acid. Two isoforms of this enzyme exist in mammalian and avian species: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed and is the major isoform of gastrointestinal tissue. COX-2 is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli. COX-2 has been implicated in carcinogenesis of several neoplasms. Furthermore, COX-2 over-expression has been noted in many solid tumours and has been correlated with a worse prognosis in colorectal cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, mesothelioma and gastric cancer. In this review, the most recent findings on the mechanisms by which COX-2 promote tumorigenesis are discussed, with particular emphasis on the studies involving spontaneous canine neoplasms.
Spugnini
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EP
SAFU Department, Center for Experimental Research, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy. enrico.spugnini@tiscali.it
Porrello
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Citro
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Baldi
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D000818:Animals; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000201:enzymology*; D004285:Dogs; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000453:epidemiology
D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2