Relationship between expressions of COX -2, VEGF - C in gastric cancer and lymphatic metastasis

Objective To detect the expressions of COX -2 and VEGF -C in gastric cancer and to explore the relationship between their expressions and lymphatic metastasis. Methods Immunohistochemical staining(SABC) was used to detect the expressions of COX -2 and VEGF -C in 80 cases of gastric cancer. Results The positive rate of COX - 2 and VEGF - C in gastric cancer were 68.8% and 62. 5% ,and the expression of COX-2 was positively correlated with VEGF- C( r =0. 547, P ＜ 0. 05).COX - 2 and VEGF - C expressions were possively correlated with lymphatic metastasis ( P ＜ 0.05 ). The lymphatic metastasis rate in the positive group of COX - 2 and VEGF - C were higher than that in the negative group of COX- 2 and VEGF- C. Conclusions Over expression of COX - 2 and VEGF - C were observed in gastric cancer,and closely related to lymphatic metastasis. COX -2 has positive correlation with VEGF - C and was correlated with lymphatic metastasis of gastric cancer. COX - 2 may promote the over expression of VEGF - C in tumor cells and cause lymphatic metastasis. They could be served as the determinant factors for the biological behaviors and prognosis of gastric cancer. Key words: Lymphatic metastasis; Gastric cancer; Cyclooxyenase - 2; Vascular endothelial growth factor - C