Antitumor and Antiangiogenic Activities of Curcumin in Cervical Cancer Xenografts in Nude Mice

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on tumor progression and angiogenesis in cervical cancer- (CaSki-) implanted nude mice and on the angiogenic biomarkers: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). CaSki cells were subcutaneously injected in nude mice to establish subcutaneous tumors. One month after injection, mice were orally administered vehicle or 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg of CUR daily × 30 consecutive days. Tumor volume was measured every 3-4 days. At the end of the study, tumor microvasculature was observed under confocal microscope, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to detect CD31, VEGF, COX-2, and EGFR. CUR at the doses of 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg showed significant tumor growth retardation (21.03% and 35.57%) versus CaSki + vehicle group. The microvascular density (MVD) in CaSki + vehicle group was significantly increased versus Control + vehicle group and significantly reduced by CUR (1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg). VEGF, COX-2, and EGFR expressions were upregulated in CaSki + vehicle group and attenuated significantly by CUR (1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg). In conclusion, high dose CUR inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis in CaSki-implanted mice probably mediated by the downregulation of VEGF, COX-2 and EGFR. CUR may have a role in treating human cervical cancer and should be explored further.