Clinical Research
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Feb 14, 2006; 12(6): 928-934
Published online Feb 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i6.928
Cyclooxygenase-2 and epithelial growth factor receptor up-regulation during progression of Barrett’s esophagus to adenocarcinoma
Yan Li, John M Wo, Mukunda B Ray, Whitney Jones, Ruifeng R Su, Susan Ellis, Robert C G Martin
Yan Li, Ruifeng R Su, Susan Ellis, Robert C G Martin, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
John M Wo, Whitney Jones, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Mukunda B Ray, Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Supported by the University of Louisville Hospital and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract Career Development Award
Correspondence to: Robert C G Martin, MD, Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, J. Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 315 E. Broadway - #312, Louisville, KY 40202 United States. robert.martin@louisville.edu
Telephone: +502-629-3355 Fax: +502-629-3030
Received: May 8, 2005
Revised: May 20, 2005
Accepted: July 5, 2005
Published online: February 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) throughout the progression of Barrett’s esophagus (BE).

METHODS: COX-2 and EGFR protein expressions were detected by using immunohistochemical method. A detailed cytomorphological changes were determined. Areas of COX-2 and EGFR expression were quantified by using computer Imaging System.

RESULTS: The expressions of both COX-2 and EGFR increased along with the progression from BE to esophagus adenocarcinoma (EAC). A positive correlation was found between COX-2 expression and EGFR expression.

CONCLUSION: COX-2 and EGFR may be cooperative in the stepwise progression from BE to EAC, thereby leading to carcinogenesis.

Keywords: Cycloxygenase -2 (COX-2), Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), Barrett’s esophagus, Carcinogenesis