The effects of COX-2 exprssion on VEGF and angiogenesis in endometriosis

Objective:To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in endometriosis and the effects of COX-2 expression on VEGF and angiogenesis in endometriosis,and to probe the possible mechanism of their association.Methods:The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in 45 cases of endometriosis patients was detected by immunohistochemistry methods.Results:The expression of COX-2 and VEGF in endometriosis was 62.2% and 51.1%,respectively,which was significant higher than that of normal endometriosis(P0.001).COX-2 and VEGF of the endometrium of endometriosis patients in proliferative phase and secretary phase were 64.0%,60.0% and 52.0%,50.0%.The expression of COX-2 was closely correlated with that of VEGF(r=0.585,P0.01).Conclusion:COX-2 and VEGF over expression is found in EMs tissue.It is possible that COX-2 may stimulate angiogenesis through VEGF up-regulation.COX-2 may play a key role in endometriosis.