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Size‐dependent expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in sporadic colorectal adenomas relative to adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis
Author(s) -
Azumaya Masaki,
Kobayashi Masaaki,
Ajioka Yoichi,
Honma Terasu,
Suzuki Yutaka,
Takeuchi Manabu,
Narisawa Rintarou,
Asakura Hitoshi
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
pathology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1827
pISSN - 1320-5463
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2002.01350.x
Subject(s) - familial adenomatous polyposis , medicine , colorectal cancer , cyclooxygenase , adenoma , immunohistochemistry , gastroenterology , colorectal adenoma , proportional hazards model , oncology , pathology , cancer , enzyme , biology , biochemistry
Several studies have indicated that administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) results in a regression of colorectal adenomas through inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). It is thought that sporadic colorectal adenomas might also be useful targets for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer, but a marked effect of NSAID on the regression of sporadic adenomas has not been observed. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of COX‐2 in sporadic tubular adenomas ( n = 100) from 63 patients and in tubular adenomas ( n = 121) from 12 patients with FAP, in order to determine if chemoprevention might be more successful in sporadic adenomas once they have reached a certain size. COX‐2 scores were significantly lower ( P < 0.0001) in small (< 5 mm in diameter) adenomas than in large (≥ 5 mm) adenomas. This was observed in both sporadic cases and in cases involving patients with FAP. With regard to small (< 5 mm) adenomas, significantly higher ( P = 0.02) COX‐2 scores were obtained in adenomas resulting from FAP than sporadic adenomas. The variation in COX‐2 expression observed among sporadic adenomas of different sizes should be taken into account when making decisions regarding attempts at chemoprevention using NSAID. Sporadic adenomas 5 mm or larger with upregulated COX‐2 expression are potentially useful targets for the antiproliferative effects of NSAID.