Combination therapy of PPAR γ ligands and inhibitors of arachidonic acid in lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and five-year survival remains low. Numerous studies have shown that chronic inflammation may lead to progression of carcinogenesis. As a result of inflammatory stimulation, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism produces proliferation mediators through complex and dynamic interactions of the products of the LOX/COX enzymes. One important mediator in the activation of the AA pathways is the nuclear protein PPAR γ. Targeting LOX/COX enzymes and inducing activation of PPAR γ have resulted in significant reduction of cell growth in lung cancer cell lines. However, specific COX-inhibitors have been correlated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Clinical applications are still being explored with a novel generation of dual LOX/COX inhibitors. PPAR γ activation through synthetic ligands (TZDs) has revealed a great mechanistic complexity since effects are produced through PPAR γ -dependent and -independent mechanisms. Furthermore, PPAR γ could also be involved in regulation of COX-2. Overexpression of PPAR γ has reported to play a role in control of invasion and differentiation. Exploring the function of PPAR γ, in this new context, may provide a better mechanistic model of its role in cancer and give an opportunity to design a more efficient therapeutic approach in combination with LOX/COX inhibitors.