COX-2 expression in gastric cancer and its relationship with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis

Objective To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX- 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor- C (VEGF- C) in human gastric cancer,the relationship between their expression and the clinicopathological features, as well as the relationship between these two parameter expression and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. Methods COX- 2 and VEGF- C expressions were detected in 63 gastric cancer samples by immunostaining. Lymphanigogenesis was evaluated by immunostaining with the specific antibody LYVE- 1. Results The expression rates of COX- 2 and VEGF- C were 66.7% (42/63),52.4% (33/63),respectively in 63 gastric cancer specimens. LYVE- 1 was positive in 35 cases (35/63),which indicated lymphangiogenesis in the tumors. The expression of COX- 2 was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGF- C,tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis (P 0.05),however not gender,tumor size,tumor location,Lauren classification and serosa invasion (P 0.05). Conclusions In gastric cancer,the expression of COX- 2 is significantly associated with VEGF- C expression,lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. COX- 2 may up- regulate the expression of VEGF- C,which induces lymphangiogenesis and accordingly contributes to lymphatic metastasis.