[COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression in carotid atherosclerotic plaques].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the changes in the expressions of inducible cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) and membrane associated prostaglandin E-1(mPGES-1) in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques and to explore possible mechanisms of inflammatory process involved in plaque stability.


METHODS
The mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were compared between minimally and grossly atherosclerotic arterial tissues. COX-2 and mPGES-1 gene expression were established by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 10 mesenchymal artery controls and 24 atherosclerotic specimens. Presence of COX-2 and mPGES-1 protein was assessed by Western blotting.


RESULTS
Immunohistochemical staining showed that the COX-2 and mPGES-1 immunoreactive substances were present in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle cell. Compared with the control group, immunostaining positive cells increased in carotid atherosclerotic plaque group. COX-2 and mPGES-1 gene expression was significantly elevated in atherosclerotic plaques (P< 0.05, respectively). The increased mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were correlated in atherosclerotic tissue (P< 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 related to degree of pathological damage in atherosclerotic tissue (P< 0.05). COX-2 and mPGES-1 were not found in the control group (mesenteric vascular walls).


CONCLUSIONS
COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression in plaques is significantly higher than that in the control group. These findings suggests that COX-2 and mPGES-1 might play a role in pathogenesis of atheroscleros and modulation of inflammatory process involved in plaque stability, and COX-2 may have proinflammatory enzyme properties.
Department of Neurology, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052 P. R. China. hengfangliu@yahoo.com.cn
Heng-fang
HF
Liu
Xin-hua
XH
Li
Qi-dong
QD
Yang
Wang
W
Miao
Shang-shu
SS
Qi
Xi-ming
XM
Song
Geng-shan
GS
He
Hong-lin
HL
Dong
Fu-quan
FQ
Zhang
D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; C000605862:PTGES protein, human; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases