Involvement of corticotropin-releasing hormone-related peptides in cellular stress caused by anticancer drugs in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: The expression of corticotropinreleasing hormone (CRH)-related peptides involved in stress response in colorectal cancer has been reported. We examined the involvement of CRH-related peptides in cellular stress caused by anticancer drugs in colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Changes in the expression levels of CRHrelated peptides and their receptors in HCT116, DLD-1, and SW480 cell lines after fluorouracil (5-FU) loading were evaluated. Effects of the receptor antagonist against DNA synthesis disorder caused by 5-FU and SN-38 were evaluated using the 3H-labeled deoxyribonucleoside incorporation assay. Results: No changes in the mRNA expression levels of CRHrelated peptides (UCN and UCN2)-and their receptors (CRHR1 and CRHR2) were observed. Addition of antagonists to cells with DNA synthesis disorder caused by 5-FU and SN-38 showed no differences in the incorporation of 3H-labeled deoxyribonucleoside. Conclusion: CRH-related peptides showed no effect on the stress response to anticancer drugs nor on DNA synthesis disorder in colorectal cancer.