The Expression And Significance Of Cyclooxygenase-2 And Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Objective To investigate the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2(Cox-2), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and their relationship with histopathological features, to analyze the role of them in GIST and evaluate the conelation of their expression.Methods The medical records including histopathological features of patients diagnosed GIST arise of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract between Jan 2003 and Dec 2006 were retrieved from Xiangya Hospital, Second Xiangya Hopital, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South Univerity and Hunan Cancer Hospital.Tumor slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)from these patients were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry staining were performed using antibodies to c-kit protein (CD117) and CD34. GIST are defined as stromal tumors of the GI tract that express c-kit protein (CD117)and/or CD34. Subsequently, Cox-2 and VEGF were detected immunohistochemically and the relationship was evaluated between histopathologic features and expression of Cox-2 and VEGF, the correlation of their expression was evaluated at the same time.Results (1) The positive rates of CD117,CD34,Cox-2 and VEGF in 104 cases GIST were respectively 85.6%, 64.4%, 76.0%, 68.3%. (2) The expression of Cox-2 and VEGF had no significant relationship with gender, age, as well as tumor site and size, but it was significantly related to histological subtype and histological grading of GIST. (3) Cox-2 expression had positive correlation to VEGF expression.Conclusion The expression of Cox-2 and VEGF had significant relationship with histological subtype and histological grading of GIST. Cox-2 and VEGF might play an important role in the proliferation and progression of GIST and might be markers for evaluation of GIST' histological subtype and histological grading.