Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its correlation with vasogenic brain edema in human intracranial meningiomas.
COX-2 expression was evaluated in intracranial meningiomas, relating this molecule to grade, vasculature, VEGF and brain edema. Fifty-six tumors were evaluated for COX-2 and VEGF expression and for microvessel density. In 34/56 cases, the edema was evaluated by CT scan. COX-2 was detected in 46/56 meningiomas (82.14%), and it resulted as being related to histologic grade (t-test: p = 0.006) and to edema (t-test: p = 0.002). No statistical association between COX-2 and VEGF or MVD was found. In conclusion, COX-2 seems to be related to the more aggressive meningiomas and, somehow, to the development of meningioma-associated brain edema.
Pistolesi
Sabina
S
Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Boldrini
Laura
L
Gisfredi
Silvia
S
Ursino
Silvia
S
Alì
Greta
G
Nuti
Simona
S
De Ieso
Katia
K
Pieracci
Nicola
N
Parenti
Giuliano
G
Fontanini
Gabriella
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000201:enzymology*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D008579:Meningioma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2