PTEN regulates apoptotic cell death through PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway in DMH induced early colon carcinogenesis in rat

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and Akt (protein kinase B), are both essential signaling molecules that are up‐regulated in various cancers. Here, we examined the molecular mechanisms by which PI3-K and Akt expression are regulated by glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK-3β) and the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in the early stages of experimental colon carcinogenesis. 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was utilized for the induction of colon cancer while piroxicam, a traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and c-phycocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis (cyanobacterium) as the chemopreventive agents. Western blotting and immunofluorescence results indicated that the expression of PI3-K and Akt was promoted in the DMH group while least apoptosis was detected in this group as analyzed by Hoechst 33342-propidium iodide co-staining. DMH group further detected lower GSK-3β and PTEN expression as compared to other groups. Piroxicam and c-phycocyanin treatment resulted significant apoptotic cell death while showing low PI3-K and Akt expressions. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) alterations (examined by JC-1 and rhodamine 123 labeling of colonocytes) and fluorescence intensity measurement of ROS level, were also analyzed showing the raised ΔΨM while reduced ROS levels in DMH group, however piroxicam and c-phycocyanin treatment resulted in falling of ΔΨM although both stimulated the ROS production as analyzed by flow cytometry. The present study thus identified that piroxicam, a traditional NSAID and c-phycocyanin, a newly discovered COX-2 selective inhibitor, constitute remarkable chemopreventive targets in mediating apoptosis in the DMH induced early rat colon carcinogenesis via regulating PI3-K/Akt/GSK-3β/PTEN signaling pathways. Further, a combination of the two drugs provides a better therapeutic option, than the monotherapy regimen.

► DMH is given subcutaneously for the development of colon carcinogenesis in rats.
► DMH up-regulate PI3-K and AKT while inhibit GSK-3β and PTEN expression.
► DMH suppress apoptosis by altering ΔΨM and inhibiting ROS production.
► Piroxicam and c-phycocyanin corrected the above dysregulations.
► Combination of two drugs rather then individual provides better therapeutic choice.