타액선 종양에서 COX-2의 발현에 관한 연구

Objectives: Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the rate limiting enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. To date, two isoforms of COX, COX-1 and COX-2, have been identified. Especially, elavated COX-2 expression has been shown to occur in several malignancies. In the head and neck, COX-2 has been reported to be up-regulated in squamous cell carcinomas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of expression of COX-2 in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect expression of COX-2 in paraffin-embedded samples from 63 benign and 51 malignant salivary gland tumors. Results were analyzed between benign and malignant tumors and compared with the clinical parameters such as stage and recurrence in malignant tumors. Results: COX-2 overexpression was detected in 23.8% of the benign salivary gland tumors and 33.3% of the malignant salivary gland tumors. But there was no statistical significance. According to histologic classification in benign Salivary gland tumor, COX-2 overexpression of COX-2 was detected in 32.5% of pleomorphic adenoma and in 10.5% of warthin’s tumor. In malignant salivary gland tumor, COX-2 overexpression was detected in 33.3% of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. And in 26.6% of adenoid cystic carcinoma. But there were no statistical significance. 31 % of male were positive for COX-2 and 25% of female were positive for COX-2. Male showed slightly higher expression rate, but there was no statistical significance. Conclusions: COX-2 overexpression is not associated with the progression of malignant salivary gland tumors. But there are many reports that COX- 2 is associated with carcinogenesis in other malignant tumors. So further studies with large number of patient will be needed. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2006;17:66–72)