Expression Of Cyclooxygenase-2 And Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Protein In Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Recent reports suggest the core enzyme -cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in arachidonic acid system has close relationship with the development and metastasis of many malignant tumors. By now no domestic reports about its expression in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) could be found. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are often up-regulated in many common neoplasms, but in SCC patients the expression of different subtype of MMPs and their relationship with COX-2 are still uncertain. Objectives: To examine the expression of COX-2 and MMP-2 in the tissue sections of SCC patients'lesions, investigate the relationship between the expression and pathological features of SCC. Evaluate the correlation of these two enzymes, and try to find out their role in the development and metastasis of skin SCC. Methods: The tissue sections of SCC lesions and normal skin were examined by immunohistochemical technique to identify the expression of COX-2 and MMP-2. The differentiations of SCC were evaluated according to their pathological features. Results: The expression of COX-2 and MMP-2 proteins are localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of tumor cells and normal cells. These enzymes increased significantly in patients with SCC, comparing to healthy controls. The expression of MMP-2 correlates with expression of COX-2 and the malignancy of SCC. Conclusions: The over expression of COX-2 and MMP-2 protein, which is close related in SCC, involves in the pathogenesis and biological behavior of SCC, and may soon become targets for therapeutic intervention in this disease.