Nicotine induces hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression in human lung cancer cells via nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Nicotine, the major component in cigarette smoke, can promote tumor growth and angiogenesis in various cancers, including lung cancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is overexpressed in human lung cancers, particularly in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), and is closely associated with an advanced tumor grade, increased angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nicotine on the expression of HIF-1alpha and its downstream target gene, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in human lung cancer cells.

Experimental design

Human NSCLC cell lines A549 and H157 were treated with nicotine and examined for expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF using Western blot or ELISA. Loss of

SUBMITTER: Zhang Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4166418 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature