Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and c-met proteins in atrophic gastritis with convex erosion

Objective To study the expressions of cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 and c-met proteins in the tissue of atrophic gastritis with convex erosion.Methods The expressions of COX-2 and c-met proteins were detected with immunohistochemistry in 50 specimens of atrophic gastritis with convex erosion,50 chronic superficial gastri- tis and 50 gastric carcinoma tissues.Results c-met protein expression was significantly higher in the atrophic gas- tritis tissue than in superficial gastritis tissue(P=0.050),but similar between the atrophic gastritis and carcinoma tissues(P=0.260).COX-2 expression was also significantly higher in the atrophic gastritis than in the superficial gastritis tissues(P=0.006),and comparable between the atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinoma tissues(P= 0.817).Conclusion High expressions of COX-2 and c-met proteins are present in atrophic gastritis with convex erosion, suggesting highly active proliferation of the cells in the involved gastric mucosa,which may give rise to carcinogenesis.