Cytotoxic effects of ibuprofen on cervical cancer (Hela) cells through induction of nitric oxide synthase2 (iNOS) gene expression

Abstract

NSAIDs have been reported to have anticancer effects against certain types of cancer, however, the mechanism behind NSAIDs action on cancer cells is unclear in many cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of ibuprofen on cervical cancer (Hela) cells and evaluation of nitric oxide synthase2 (iNOS) gene expression level. In this in vitro study, the cells were divided into control (untreated) group and groups treated with 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL of ibuprofen for 24 and 48 hours. MTT assay method was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of ibuprofen on Hela cells. The Griess method was used to quantify NOS activity, and iNOS gene expression level was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Student's t-test. Ibuprofen had cytotoxic effects on Hela cells in a dose dependent manner. The cytotoxic dose of ibuprofen significantly increased the NOS activity and iNOS gene expression level. Our findings indicated that the cytotoxic effects of ibuprofen on cervical cancer cells is partly mediated by increased activation of NOS.