The expression and correlation between Cox-2 and MMP-2 in breast carcinoma

Objective To detect the expression of Cox-2 and MMP-2 in invasive breast carcinoma,and explore their correlation.Methods The expression of Cox-2 and MMP-2 were studied in 100 cases of invasive breast carcinoma by SP immunohistochemistry.Results The positive expression of Cox-2 protein in normal breast tissue and breast carcinoma were7.5%(3/40)and 83.0%(83/100)respectively,and the positive rate of Cox-2 in the lymph node metastasis(54/60) was significantly higher than those without lymph node metastasis(P0.05).The positive expression of MMP-2 protein in normal breast tissue and breast carcinoma were 0(0/40)and 94.0%(94/100)respectively,and the positive rate of MMP-2 in the lymph node metastasis(59/60) was significantly higher than those without lymph node metastasis(P0.05).Positive correlation could be found between the expression of Cox-2 and that of MMP-2 as well(r=0.334,P0.01).Conclusion Cox-2 and MMP-2 protein are highly expressed in breast carcinoma,and are all related with lymph node metastasis.These proteins are indicators of metastasis and predictors for prognosis of breast carcinoma.