J Korean Soc Coloproctol.  2010 Oct;26(5):339-346. 10.3393/jksc.2010.26.5.339.

Relation of the Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Colorectal Adenomas and Adenocarcinomas to Angiogenesis and Prognosis

• Han YD
• Hong YK
• Kang JG
• Choi YJ
• Park CH

• KMID: 2101529
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3393/jksc.2010.26.5.339

Abstract

PURPOSE
Recent studies have shown that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 may be involved in tumor growth, invasion and apoptosis in various carcinomas. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a potent angiogenic activity, and COX-2 promotes angiogenesis by modulating angiogenic factors, including VEGF. Endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is considered as a factor of cell growth, maturation and cell death. The current study was designed to investigate the possible roles of COX-2 in colorectal tumor progression and angiogenesis.
METHODS
Fifty colorectal adenomas and forty adenocarcinomas were investigated by using immunohistochemical staining for COX-2, VEGF and EGFR. The correlations of COX-2, VEGF and EGFR with the grade of dysplasia, the size of the adenoma, and various clinicopathologic factors were studied.
RESULTS
The expressions of COX-2, VEGF and EGFR were each significantly correlated with carcinomatous transformation, and the expressions of COX-2 and VEGF were significantly correlated. COX-2 and EGFR showed correlations with adenomas rather than adenocarcinomas. However, no correlations of COX-2, VEGF and EGFR expression to other clinicopathologic factors, except tumor size in EGFR expression, were detected.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that COX-2 may play an important role in carcinogenesis through interaction with VEGF and EGFR in human colorectal cancer.

Keyword

Cyclooxygenase 2; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Endothelial growth factor receptor; Colorectal carcinoma; Adenocarcinoma

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Adenoma
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
Apoptosis
Cell Death
Colorectal Neoplasms
Cyclooxygenase 2
Humans
Prognosis
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
Cyclooxygenase 2
Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A