P2X7 receptor mediates the anti-tumor effect of running on cervical cancer in mice

Previous studies have suggested that running exerts anti-tumor effects on various cancers through multiple pathways. It has been reported that the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) may display anti-tumor activity in cervical cancer cells, and running can regulate P2X7R expression and function in mice. However, the specific impact of running on cervical cancer and whether its underlying mechanism is associated with the regulation of P2X7R levels remains to be elucidated. In this study, mice bearing U14 cervical cancer tumors were used as a model to explore the association between running and P2X7R in cervical cancer. The results showed that running significantly inhibited tumor progression in mice, accompanied by an increase in P2X7R protein expression in tumor tissues. Additionally, treatment with the P2X7R antagonist JNJ-47965567 alone or in combination with running intervention promoted tumor growth and attenuated the anti-tumor effect of running. In contrast, the P2X7R agonist BzATP alone or combined with running intervention exerted anti-tumor effects and enhanced the anti-tumor effect of running. In conclusion, the present findings suggest only a pharmacological association between P2X7R and the anti-tumor effect of running against cervical cancer progression, given that genetic validation was not performed in this study. The potential involvement of immune mechanisms remains an inference and requires further experimental validation. As a possible therapeutic target, P2X7R provides supportive data for the treatment of cervical cancer and the clinical exploration of running as an adjuvant intervention.