The Expression of COX-2 in Human Lung Cancer and its Relationship with Expression of K-ras and Mcl-1.

Abstract

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. 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. 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). 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.