The in vitro investigation of the potential angiogenic effects of novalgin (metamizole sodium) on human glioblastoma cell line u-87 mg

Despite the progression in basic and clinical sciences, cancer continues to be one of the major health problems. Glioblastoma is the most common type of primary brain tumors in adults.It has been suggested that the angiogenesis-targeted agents may be effective in the treatment of glioblastoma. During cancer therapy painkillers are frequently used to relieve the pain of patients. Metamizole, a Pyrazolone-derived, is a non-opioid analgesic. Metamizole is used both alone and in combination with other opioid group painkillers in mild and moderate pain. In this study, it has been shown that Novalgin (metamizol sodium), inhibits the growth of U-87 MG glioblastoma cells at various concentrations. Nevertheless, at determined non-proliferative doses, the effects of Novalgine on the levels of three proangiogenic factors (VEGF, MMP-9 and Substance P) released from the cells were also determined. As a result, Metamizole showed cytotoxic and proliferative effects on U-87 MG cells. Metamizole did not cause a statistically significant increase in Substance P activity in the U-87 cell line at concentrations of 25 μg / mL and 12,5 μg / mL for 24 and 48 hours. 1 μg / mL Metamizole caused a 1.03-fold increase in Substance P levels for 24 hour incubation period. 25 μg/mL Metamizole causes a 1.68-fold increase and 1μg / mL caused a 4.13-fold increase in the amount of VEGF release at the end of the 24-hour incubation period respectively. The amount of MMP-9 enzyme released from U-87 MG cells increased by 1.35 and 1.34 times compared to the control group at the end of the 48 hour incubation period with 25 μg / mL and 12,5 μg / mL metamizole treatment.