Role of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1)-derived prostaglandin E2 in colon carcinogenesis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, are among the most promising chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer. However, recent clinical trials have indicated that these inhibitors pose a significantly increased cardiovascular risk. Microsomal prostaglandin E (PGE) synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and mPGES-1-derived PGE(2) have gained attention recently as alternative targets to COX-2 for colorectal cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the roles of mPGES-1, a PGE(2)-inactivating enzyme (15-hydroxyprostagladin dehydrogenase), and PGE(2) specific receptors (EPs) in colon carcinogenesis. (c) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.