OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Nimesulide, a selective Cox-2 inhibitor, on the apoptosis, invasion and migration of hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (FaDu).

METHODSViabilities of FaDu cells treated with various concentrations of Nimesulide were detected by MTT assay. Morphological changes were observed by acridine orange cytochemistry staining. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The ability of invasion and migration of cells was detected by Transwell chambers. The mRNA and protein expressions of Cox-2, MMP-9 and caspase-3 in response to Nimesulide were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTSMTT assay showed that the cell surviving rates significantly decreased in time- and concentration-dependent manners (P < 0.05). The typical morphological changes of apoptotic cells were observed. Percent of apoptosis after 6 h Nimesulide treatment was (32.4 ± 6.1)%. The metastatic cells were decreased by Nimesulide to about 20%. Nimesulide decreased the expressions of Cox-2 and MMP-9, whereas increased expression the of Caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONNimesulide could induce the apoptosis and inhibit metastasis of FaDu cells.