[COX- 2 expression in gastric cancer and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in human gastric cancer, the relationship between their expression and the clinicopathological features,as well as the relationship between these two parameter expression and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.


METHODS
COX-2 and VEGF-C expressions were detected in 63 gastric cancer samples by immunostaining. Lymphangiogenesis was evaluated by immunostaining with the specific antibody LYVE-1.


RESULTS
The expression rates of COX-2 and VEGF-C were 66.7% (42/63), 52.4% (33/63), respectively in 63 gastric cancer specimens. LYVE-1 was positive in 35 cases (35/63), which indicated lymphangiogenesis in the tumors. The expression of COX-2 was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGF-C, tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis (P< 0.05), however not gender, tumor size, tumor location, Lauren classification and serosa invasion (P< 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In gastric cancer, the expression of COX-2 is significantly associated with VEGF-C expression, lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. COX-2 may up-regulate the expression of VEGF-C, which induces lymphangiogenesis and accordingly contributes to lymphatic metastasis.
Zhang
Jun
J
Department of Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200025, China.
Ji
Jun
J
Yuan
Fei
F
Yan
Chao
C
Yu
Ying-yan
YY
Liu
Bing-ya
BY
Zhu
Zheng-gang
ZG
Yin
Hao-ran
HR
Lin
Yan-zhen
YZ
D000368:Aged; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000378:metabolism
C467486:VEGFC protein, human; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human