The effects of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and inhibition on human uveal melanoma cell proliferation and macrophage nitric oxide production.
BACKGROUND
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression has previously been identified in uveal melanoma although the biological role of COX-2 in this intraocular malignancy has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a COX-2 inhibitor on the proliferation rate of human uveal melanoma cells, as well as its effect on the cytotoxic response of macrophages.


METHODS
Human uveal melanoma cell lines were transfected to constitutively express COX-2 and the proliferative rate of these cells using two different methods, with and without the addition of Amfenac, was measured. Nitric oxide production by macrophages was measured after exposure to melanoma-conditioned medium from both groups of cells as well as with and without Amfenac, the active metabolite of Nepafenac.


RESULTS
Cells transfected to express COX-2 had a higher proliferation rate than those that did not. The addition of Amfenac significantly decreased the proliferation rate of all cell lines. Nitric oxide production by macrophages was inhibited by the addition of melanoma conditioned medium, the addition of Amfenac partially overcame this inhibition.


CONCLUSIONS
Amfenac affected both COX-2 transfected and non-transfected uveal melanoma cells in terms of their proliferation rates as well as their suppressive effects on macrophage cytotoxic activity.
The Henry C, Witelson Ocular Pathology Laboratory and Registry, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Lyman Duff Building, Room 216, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada. jeanclaude.marshall@gmail.com.
Jean-Claude
JC
Marshall
Amanda L
AL
Caissie
Stephanie R
SR
Cruess
Jonathan
J
Cools-Lartigue
Miguel N
MN
Burnier