Aspirin is a common drug that is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Studies also suggest that aspirin may help prevent certain cancers. This is thought to be due to its cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzyme inhibiting ability in tumor cells. Now research reports that aspirin prevents new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Since angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, aspirin also prevents tumor growth.
The cell study, published in The FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology), examined the effects of aspirin, salicylate (a substance used to make aspirin), and the selective Cox inhibitor drugs SC560 and Celecoxib on the angiogenesis of cultured endothelial cells. Researchers at the University of Newcastle in England, treated cultured human endothelial cell lines with different doses of aspirin, salicylate and the Cox inhibitor drugs.
The researchers found that low and therapeutic doses of aspirin and salicylate significantly decreased angiogenesis. However, this effect was not observed with the selective Cox inhibitor drugs. This result suggests that aspirin inhibits angiogenesis through a Cox-independent mechanism. Findings also revealed that high doses of aspirin or salicylate resulted in apoptosis (programmed cell suicide) of the endothelial cells. This effect was not observed at therapeutic doses.
"We conclude that aspirin, at therapeutic concentrations, directly inhibits angiogenesis via a Cox-independent mechanism, which may significantly contribute to its neoplastic protective effects," the study authors write.
REFERENCES:
1. Borthwick GM et al. Therapeutic levels of aspirin and salicylate directly inhibit a model of angiogenesis through a Cox-independent mechanism. FASEB 2006 Oct;20:2009-2016.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on December 28, 2006 09:40 AM
