Cyclooxygenase-2 expression and relationship to tumour progression in human renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

AIMS:

Cyclooxygenase (COX), which catalyses the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, has two isoforms; COX-1 and COX-2. There is ample evidence to suggest an important role for COX-2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of COX-2 expression and its localization in the development and progression of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS AND RESULTS:

The expression and localization of COX-2 were evaluated in human RCC tissues from 75 patients by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive COX-2 protein was observed in all cases of RCC, and the levels of COX-2 expression were correlated with tumour grade and pathological stage. Expression of COX-2 was higher in the granular cell subtype than in the clear cell subtype of RCC. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that COX-2 was expressed in the nuclear membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and mitochondrial membrane of RCC cells.

CONCLUSION:

COX-2 overexpression within these intracellular organelles in RCC may be associated with renal cell carcinogenesis and COX-2 may be a useful biomarker in RCC.

• Authors: Y Hashimoto, Y Kondo, G Kimura, I Matsuzawa, S Sato, M Ishizaki, N Imura, M Akimoto, S Hara
• Journal: Histopathology (Histopathology) Vol. 44 Issue 4 Pg. 353-9 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 0309-0167 [Print] England
• PMID: 15049901 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Isoenzymes
• Membrane Proteins
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• PTGS2 protein, human
• Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Carcinoma, Renal Cell (enzymology, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Isoenzymes (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Kidney Neoplasms (enzymology, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Male
• Membrane Proteins
• Microscopy, Immunoelectron
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging
• Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Up-Regulation