Korean J Urol.  2005 Oct;46(10):1057-1063.

Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma

• Cho YH
• Jang TJ
• Lee KS

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is ample evidence suggesting an important role for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in tumorigenesis. This study aimed at evaluating the clinical significance of the expressions of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in the development and progression of human renal cell carcinomas (RCC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Tumor samples were obtained from 27 RCC patients who had undergone a radical nephrectomy. The expressions of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses.
RESULTS
COX-2 and mPGES-1 were expressed in 16 (59.3%) and in 11 (40.7%) of the 27 RCC patients. The expressions of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were correlated with the tumor grade, but not with the pathological stage. Western blot analysis confirmed a higher COX-2 expression in the RCC than non-tumorous tissues, but that of mPGES-1 was similar between the tumorous and non-tumorous portions.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the expression of COX-2 in RCC patients may be associated with carcinogenesis and; therefore, a useful biomarker in RCC.

Keyword

Renal cell carcinoma; Cyclooxygenase-2; mPGES-1

MeSH Terms

Blotting, Western
Carcinogenesis
Carcinoma, Renal Cell*
Cyclooxygenase 2*
Dinoprostone*
Humans*
Immunohistochemistry
Nephrectomy
Cyclooxygenase 2
Dinoprostone