Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in equine tumors.
Abstract: The enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is expressed in some tumor and stromal tissues, and catalyzes production of prostaglandins with growth stimulatory, antiapoptotic, proangiogenic, and immunosuppressive properties. Pharmacologic inhibition of COX-2 is associated with antitumor activity in various human and canine malignancies. The purpose of this study was to assess COX-2 expression in a series of equine sarcoids, melanomas, and squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC). COX-2 expression was assessed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 14 sarcoids, 11 melanomas, and 37 SCC that represent various anatomic sites by using standard immunohistochemical methods. COX-2 was expressed in 2 of 14 sarcoids, 7 of 11 melanomas, and 32 of 37 SCC, 56% of which demonstrated moderate-to-strong immunoreactivity. There were no differences in expression between anatomic sites. In conclusion, most equine SCC and many melanomas appear to express COX-2 and thus could respond to COX-2 inhibitor therapy.
Publication Date: 2008-11-06 PubMed ID: 18984785DOI: 10.1354/vp.45-6-825Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study investigates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme found in some tumors and stromal tissues, in different types of equine tumors – namely sarcoids, melanomas and squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC). The findings suggest a potential therapeutic response to COX-2 inhibitor therapy in most equine SCC and many melanomas.
Research Objectives and Methods
- The primary aim of this research was to determine the level of COX-2 expression in three types of equine tumors: sarcoids, melanomas, and squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC).
- To assess COX-2 expression, the researchers employed standard immunohistochemical methods on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from different types of tumors.
Significance of COX-2
- COX-2 is an enzyme known for its roles in the production of prostaglandins that possess attributes of cell growth stimulation, antiapoptotic activities, proangiogenic activities and immunosuppression. These characteristics are known to support tumor growth and progression.
- Studies in human and canine cancers have found that COX-2 inhibition is associated with antitumor activities, suggesting the potential for COX-2 inhibitors as a form of cancer treatment. The findings could have potential parallels in equine cancer treatment which this study explores.
Research Findings
- Of the 14 sarcoids analysed, only 2 showed COX-2 expression. This data suggests the limited role of the enzyme in the development or progression of this type of tumor in horses. It also indicates that sarcoids may not respond well to therapies targeting COX-2.
- A higher prevalence of COX-2 expression was detected in the other two types of tumors. Out of the 11 melanomas and 37 SCCs assessed, COX-2 was expressed in 7 and 32 of them respectively. Moreover, moderate-to-strong immunoreactivity was demonstrated in 56% of the SCCs, suggesting a strong presence and potential role of the enzyme in these malignancies.
- The researchers also found that the expression of COX-2 in these tumors did not vary across different anatomic (bodily) sites.
Conclusions and Implications
- The researchers concluded that most equine SCC and many melanomas express COX-2, indicating the potential for these malignancies to respond well to COX-2 inhibitor therapy, providing a possible avenue for treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Thamm DH, Ehrhart EJ, Charles JB, Elce YA.
(2008).
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in equine tumors.
Vet Pathol, 45(6), 825-828.
https://doi.org/10.1354/vp.45-6-825 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1620, USA. dthamm@colostate.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cyclooxygenase 2 / genetics
- Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Horse Diseases / enzymology
- Horses
- Neoplasms / enzymology
- Neoplasms / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Pimenta J, Prada J, Pires I, Cotovio M. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors. Vet Sci 2024 Feb 7;11(2).
- Pimenta J, Prada J, Cotovio M. Equine Melanocytic Tumors: A Narrative Review. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 10;13(2).
- Stokes SM, Burns TA, Watts MR, Bertin FR, Stefanovski D, Medina-Torres CE, Belknap JK, van Eps AW. Effect of digital hypothermia on lamellar inflammatory signaling in the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp laminitis model. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Jul;34(4):1606-1613.
- Szweda M, Rychlik A, Babińska I, Pomianowski A. Significance of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Oncogenesis. J Vet Res 2019 Jun;63(2):215-224.
- Barton MH, Darden JE, Clifton S, Vandenplas M. Effect of firocoxib on cyclooxygenase 2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1, and cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene expression in equine mononuclear cells. Am J Vet Res 2015 Dec;76(12):1051-7.
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