The Significance and Correlation of COX-2 and MMP-9 Expressions in Gastric Carcinoma

Objective:To evaluate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in gastric carcinoma and their prognostic significance.Methods:The detection of COX-2 and MMP-9 expression was detected in 65 cases of gastric carcinoma and 15 cases of normal gastric tissues by SP immunohistochemical technique.Results:(1)The expressions of COX-2 and MMP-9 were all weakly or strongly positive in 65 tissues of gastric carcinoma,and the strong positive rate of COX-2 and MMP-9 in gastric carcinoma was 63.08% and 73.85% respectively,while they were weakly positive or negative in all 15 cases of normal sample.(2)The expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 were highly correlated with depth of infiltration,lymph node metastasis,TNM stadium of gastric carcinoma,but not with the differentiation of gastric carcinoma cells.(3)There was a close correlation between COX-2 and MMP-9 expression in gastric carcinoma.Conclusion:COX-2 and MMP-9 expression may have great significance in the development and growth of gastric carcinoma.They may play a synergetic role in the process of gastric carcinoma carcinogenesis.