Expression and their clinical significance of COX-2, VEGF and E-cadherin in thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To study the expression of COX-2,E-cadherin and VEGF in thyroid carcinoma and its clinicopathological significance.Methods Expression of COX-2,E-cadherin and VEGF was detected in 68 cases with thyroid carcinoma,16 cases with thyroid adenomas and 16 cases of normal thyroid tissue by SP immunohistochemical method.Results The expression of COX-2,E-cadherin and VEGF in 68 cases with thyroid carcinoma was 63.2%,61.8%and 66.2%,respectively,with significant difference(P<0.05)compared with the expression of these proteins in thyroid adenomas.Expression of COX-2,VEGF and E-cadherin Was significantly different with TNM stages and with lymph node metastasis status(P<0.05).Expression of E-cadherin was negatively correlated to the expression of VEGF and COX-2(r=-0.423,P<0.01;r=-0.413.P<0.01).Expression of COX-2 was positively related to the expression of VEGF(r=0.659,P<0.01). Conclusion COX-2, E-cadherin and VEGF play important roles in carcinogenesis and development of thyroid carcinoma. Combined detection can provide valuable evidence for estimation of aggressive degree and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma. Key words: Thyroid neoplasms; Cyclookygenase-2; E-cadherin; Vascular endothelial growth factors; Immunohistochemistry