Expression of Cyclooxygenase-1, -2, Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor gamma in Human Colorectal Carcinoma

Purpose: The cyclooxygenases (COX) catalyze the formation of prostaglandins, affecting cell proliferation and altering the response of the immune system in malignant cells. The inducible forms of COX-1 and COX-2, have been shown to be important in carcinogenesis. Peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) belongs to a family of nuclear receptors and acts as receptor for peroxisome-proliferators, steroids, retinoic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinicopathological significance of the expressions of COX-1, COX-2 and PPARgamma genes in 90 colorectal carcinomas. Experimental Design: The expressions of COX-1, COX-2 and PPARgamma genes were examined in surgical specimens of colorectal carcinoma and corresponding normal tissues from 90 patients using modified Real Time PCR. Result: There was increase in the expression of PPARgamma in colorectal carcinomas compared to paired normal tissue (p = 0.03). Greater COX-2 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02) and venous invasion (p = 0.01).