Nanoliposomal formulation encapsulating celecoxib and genistein inhibiting COX-2 pathway and Glut-1 receptors to prevent prostate cancer cell proliferation

Globally, prostate cancer remains a challenging health burden for men as it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and about one in nine will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. Enhanced expression of COX-2 and Glut-1 proteins are reported as major factors leading to the origin and progress of prostate cancer through modulating the associated signaling pathways. In this study, we have synthesized a multifunctional liposomal system containing celecoxib and genistein drugs. The combinatorial effect of these drugs leads to the selectively induce the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells than normal fibroblast cells. The mechanistic study suggests that enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and a decrease in cellular GSH concentration, along with inhibition of COX-2 synthesis and Glut-1 receptors are the key processes behind the inhibition of prostate cancer cells. Overall, these results provide strong evidence for the role of COX-2 and Glut-1 proteins for the progression of prostate cancer and highlighting the potential of celecoxib and genistein as a useful and combinatorial pharmacological agent for chemotherapeutic purposes in prostate cancer.