[The Expression of COX-2 in Human Lung Cancer and its Relationship with Expression of K-ras and Mcl-1.].
BACKGROUND
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a subtype of rate-limiting enzyme in arachidonic acid metabolism, and it is related with tumorignesis, development and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the expression and clinical significance of COX-2 and its relationship with expression of K-ras and Mcl-1 proteins.


METHODS
The expression of COX-2, K-ras and Mcl-1 were detected in 101 lung cancer tissues and 7 normal lung tissues by immunohistochemical method and image analysis system.


RESULTS
The overexpression of COX-2 protein was detected in non-small cell lung cancer (P <0.05), especially in adenocarcinoma; There was overexpression of COX-2 in the peripheral type and late stage lung cancer (P <0.05); There was positive correlation among the COX-2, K-ras and Mcl-1(P <0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of COX-2 was closely related with K-ras gene mutation and Mcl-2 upregulation, it played an important role during differentiation and progression of lung cancer.
Song
Wenjing
W
Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China. songwenjing2004@yahoo.com.cn.
Wang
Xinyun
X
Zheng
Hongwei
H