Abstract
Cyclooxygenase (COX), which catalyses the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, has two isoforms; COX-1 and COX-2. There is ample evidence to suggest an important role for COX-2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of COX-2 expression and its localization in the development and progression of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The expression and localization of COX-2 were evaluated in human RCC tissues from 75 patients by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive COX-2 protein was observed in all cases of RCC, and the levels of COX-2 expression were correlated with tumour grade and pathological stage. Expression of COX-2 was higher in the granular cell subtype than in the clear cell subtype of RCC. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that COX-2 was expressed in the nuclear membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and mitochondrial membrane of RCC cells. COX-2 overexpression within these intracellular organelles in RCC may be associated with renal cell carcinogenesis and COX-2 may be a useful biomarker in RCC.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
