Role of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, thromboxanes and endothelins in lung cancer: An overview

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxanes (TXs), and endothelins (ETs) participate in numerous physiological processes. These agents play an important role in lung carcinogenesis by regulating cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. NO is a gaseous free radical with tumoricidal and tumorigenic activities in lung cancer. Arachidonic acid-derived PGs, including PGD, PGE, 8-iso-PGF, and PGI, are related to the development of lung cancer. PGD and PGI act as tumor suppressors, while PGE and 8-iso-PGF promote tumor progression. TXA catalyzed by cyclooxygenase induces proliferation as well as angiogenesis. Elevated levels of TXB, an inactive metabolite of TXA, are positively correlated with lung carcinoma stages. ET-1 and ET-2 are 21 amino acid polypeptides; their silencing hinders lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion. ET-2 depletion also triggers apoptotic death. This chapter review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of NO, PGs, TXs, and ETs in lung cancer.