Expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 in lacrimal gland epithelical tumors and significance to prognosis

Objective To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase(cox)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in lacrimal gland epithelical tumors and the relations between pathology and clinic prognosis. Methods The samples were selected from lacrimal glands of 29 cases of ACC, 37cases of PA and 8 cases adjacent normaltissues. Expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry and then the clinical significance was analyzed. Results No expression of COX-2 or MMP-9 were detected in adjacent normal lacrimal glands. The level of COX-2 and MMP-9 expressed in ACC group were both higher than those in PA group (P <0.05). There was positive correlation between expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 (P <0.01).Significant differences in the risk of recurrence between positive and negative expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 were both noted (P <0.05). Conclusions COX-2 and MMP-9 may be closely related to the prognosis of patients. They can be considered as joint markers to be applied to predict the recurrent risk and to develop the treatment plan. Key words: Pleomorphicadenoma; adenoid cystic carcinoma; Cyclooxygenase-2; Matrix metalloproteninase-9; Prognosis