[Expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and their relationship in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and to evaluate their functions in the development and progression of TSCC.


METHODS
The expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 in 50 cases of TSCC was determined using SP immunohistochemical method. Data was statistically analyzed by Chi-square test with SPSS11.0 software package.


RESULTS
In the poorly differentiated TSCC group, NF-kappaB an COX-2 positive expression rate was 48% and 68.0%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the moderately- and well-differentiated group (P<0.05); In the TSCC group with lymph node metastasis, NF-kappaB and COX-2 positive expression rate was 42.3% and 61.5%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the group without lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). In the cases with COX-2 negative expression, NF-kappaB positive expression rate was 3.8%(1/26), significantly lower than that in the cases with COX-2 positive expression (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
NF-kappaB and COX-2 expressions in the poorly differentiated and lymph node metastasis TSCC cases are higher than those in moderate- and well-differentiated and non- lymph node metastasis cases, NF-kappaB and COX-2 may be involved in the carcinogenesis and development of TSCC.
Hong
Zhen-hua
ZH
Department of Stomatology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, Zhejiang Province, China. zhouyiqunabc@126.com
Shao
Feng
F
Zhu
Guo-guang
GG
Su
Tong
T
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D016328:NF-kappa B; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms
D016328:NF-kappa B; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2