INFLUENCE OF ACETYLSALICYLIC-ACID AND METABOLITES ON DU-145 PROSTATIC-CANCER CELL-PROLIFERATION

Conflicting reports have been published on the anti-tumour activities of acetylsalicylic acid in various cancers. Therefore, the effect of a cetylsalicylic acid and its major metabolites has been studied on huma n prostatic carcinoma DU-145 cells. Investigations concentrated on the influence of acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid and salicyluric aci d, on cell proliferation, DNA- and protein synthesis of DU-145 cells. DNA and protein synthesis determinations were done in vitro by [H-3]th ymidine and [H-3]glycine incorporation, respectively. No effect on cel l plating efficiency was observed, however proliferation studies showe d that acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid inhibited cell growth ( 10 mM, 100% inhibition). No significant effect on cell proliferation w as ascertained with salicyluric acid. Both DNA and protein synthesis w ere 40% inhibited by 0.1 mM acetylsalicylic acid. This study demonstra tes that acetylsalicylic acid exhibits a significant influence on cell growth of prostatic DU-145 cells. These preliminary results may contr ibute to a better understanding of the anti-tumour capabilities of ace tylsalicylic acid.