Cyclooxygenase-2 and epithelial growth factor receptor up-regulation during progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) throughout the progression of Barretts esophagus (BE).


METHODS
COX-2 and EGFR protein expressions were detected by using immunohistochemical method. A detailed cytomorphological changes were determined. Areas of COX-2 and EGFR expression were quantified by using computer Imaging System.


RESULTS
The expressions of both COX-2 and EGFR increased along with the progression from BE to esophagus adenocarcinoma (EAC). A positive correlation was found between COX-2 expression and EGFR expression.


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 and EGFR may be cooperative in the stepwise progression from BE to EAC, thereby leading to carcinogenesis.
Li
Yan
Y
Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, J. Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 315 E. Broadway - #312, Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
Wo
John M
JM
Ray
Mukunda B
MB
Jones
Whitney
W
Su
Ruifeng R
RR
Ellis
Susan
S
Martin
Robert C G
RC
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018450:Disease Progression; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008679:Metaplasia; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D066246:ErbB Receptors