Hypertonic Stress Induces VEGF Production in Human Colon Cancer Cell Line Caco-2: Inhibitory Role of Autocrine PGE2
2011

Hypertonic Stress and VEGF Production in Colon Cancer Cells

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Luciana B. Gentile, Bruno Piva, Bruno L. Diaz

Primary Institution: Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Brazil

Hypothesis

Does hypertonic stress induce VEGF production in colon cancer cells and what role does PGE2 play in this process?

Conclusion

Hypertonic stress stimulates VEGF production in colon cancer cells, and PGE2 has an inhibitory role on this production.

Supporting Evidence

  • VEGF production was significantly increased in Caco-2 cells exposed to hypertonic stress.
  • Inhibition of PGE2 production led to increased VEGF production.
  • Addition of PGE2 or selective EP2 receptor agonist inhibited VEGF production.

Takeaway

When colon cancer cells are exposed to a salty environment, they produce a substance that helps form new blood vessels, but another substance they make can actually stop this process.

Methodology

The study involved exposing Caco-2 colon cancer cells to a hypertonic medium and measuring VEGF and PGE2 production using ELISA and EIA assays.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on one cell line and may not fully represent the behavior of other colon cancer types.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025193

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