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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2007; 13(3): 426-431
Published online Jan 21, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i3.426
Expression of COX-2, PCNA, Ki-67 and p53 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and its relationship with histopathological parameters
Derya Gumurdulu, Seyda Erdogan, Fazilet Kayaselcuk, Gulsah Seydaoglu, Cem K Parsak, Orhan Demircan, Ilhan Tuncer
Derya Gumurdulu, Seyda Erdogan, Ilhan Tuncer, Department of Pathology of Affiliated Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
Fazilet Kayaselcuk, Department of Pathology of Affiliated Hospital, Baskent University Adana Resarch and Practice Center, Adana 01330, Turkey
Gulsah Seydaoglu, Department of Biostatistics of Affiliated Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
Cem K Parsak, Orhan Demircan, Department of Surgery of Affiliated Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Derya Gumurdulu, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey. gumurdulu@yahoo.com
Telephone: +90-322-3386060 Fax: +90-322-3386956
Received: September 30, 2006
Revised: November 2, 2006
Accepted: November 21, 2006
Published online: January 21, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67 and p53 in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and its relationship with histopathological parameters.

METHODS: Twenty-five GISTs were examined by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. c-kit, CD34, SMA, S-100 protein, COX-2, PCNA, Ki-67 and p53 were detected immunohistochemically and the relationship was evaluated among histopathologic parameters such as mitotic index (MI), tumor grade, tumor size, COX-2, PCNA, Ki-67 and p53.

RESULTS: COX-2 protein expression was found in 19 of 25 (76%) of the tumors, and expression was noted in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. p53 was significantly related to MI and tumor grade but no relationship was found between COX-2, proliferation markers and MI, tumor grade and tumor size.

CONCLUSION: COX-2 is expressed in most GISTs and it may play an important role in the proliferation and progression of these tumors or a useful marker to identify GIST. Although immunohistochemical assessment of p53 can be used for distinguishing the risk groups of GISTs, tumor size and mitotic rate should be considered at the same time.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor; Cyclooxygenase-2; Proliferating cell nuclear antigen; Ki-67; p53; Immunohistochemistry