Title: Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in malignant pheochromocytomas and the relationship between Cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor,microvessel density
Abstract: Objective:To analyse the value of Cox-2 as marker for malignant pheochromocytomas.Meanwhile,to investigate the relationship between Cox-2 and VEGF,MVD.Methods:Tissue specimens were obtained at operations performed.There were 38 pheochromocytomas(including 21 benign and 17 malignant) and the clinical and pathological data were available.Normal adrenal glands were from 20 patients undergoing nephrectomy for a benign renal tumor.Immunohistochemical technology was performed to detect the Cox-2,VEGF and MVD(marked with CD34)in all patients.Results:Strong Cox-2 expression was found in malignant pheochromocytomas,whereas weak Cox-2 expression in benign pheochromocytomas and no expression in normal adrenal medulla immunohistochemically.There was statistical difference between malignant group and benign group,also between malignant group and normal adrenal medulla group(P0.05).Strong VEGF expression was found in malignant pheochromocytomas,whereas weak expression in benign pheochromocytomas and in normal adrenal medulla respectively.There was statistical difference between malignant group and benign group,also between malignant group and normal adrenal medulla group(P0.05).However there was no statistical difference between benign group and normal adrenal medulla group(P0.05).High MVD expression was found in malignant pheochromocytomas,whereas low expression in benign pheochromocytomas and in normal adrenal medulla.There was statistical difference between groups(P0.05).There was positive relationship between Cox-2 and VEGF in pheochromocytomas,also between Cox-2 and MVD.Meanwhile we also found the positive relationship between VEGF and MVD.Conclusions:Cox-2 and VEGF may become the predictor marker for malignant pheochromocytoma.
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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