Changes of COX-2 and VEGF expressions in esophageal precancerous and cancerous lesions from the patients at high incidence area in Henan province

Objective. To determine the changes and clinical significance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in esophageal precancerous and cancerous lesions from the patients at Linzhou, Henan, a wellknown region for its high prevalence of esophageal cancer. Methods. The expressions of COX-2 and VEGF in esophagi with normal epithelium (n = 34), basal cell hyperplasis (BCH, n = 36), mild dysplasia (n = 15), severe dysplasia (n = 18) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, n = 32) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Results. Immunoreactivity of COX-2 and VEGF in severe esophageal dysplasia and SCC was significantly higher than in other tissues (P < 0.05). The correlation between COX-2 and VEGF was statistically significant (χ2 = 41119, P < 0.01). Conclusion. COX-2 and VEGF expressions are up-regulated in severe dysplasia and SCC, suggesting that COX-2 and VEGF may play important roles in esophageal carcinogenesis and may be potential molecular targets for high risk subject screening, and early detection. [Life Science Journal. 2007; 4(2): 11 – 14] (ISSN: 1097 – 8135).