Expression and Relationship of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase in human Astrocytoma

Objective 　Investigate expression and relationship of Cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human ast rocytoma. Methods 　In this study, COX-2 mRNA was investigated in 67 astrocytomas and 8 normal brain specimens by using in situ hibrid-ization study. Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression was investigated in 67 ast rocytomas and 8 normal brain specimens by immunohistochemist ry. Results 　Expression of COX-2 mRNA, MMP2 and MMP9 was observed in ast rocytoma and not in normal brain specimens. The expression rate of COX-2 mRNA, MMP2 and MMP9 were 62. 69 %、56. 70 % and 58. 20 %. Conclusion 　Ast rocytoma invasion st rongly connects with COX-2 gene. The study suggest s that COX-2 gene may perform an important role in human astrocytoma invasion.