ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of forkhead box Ml (FoxMl) transcription factor and cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX-2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues, and to discuss the related clinicopathological implications. Methods Immunohistochemistry method wasused to examine the expression of FoxM1 and COX-2 in80 NPC tissues and 40 normal nasopharyngeal mucosa tissues. The relationship of FoxM1and COX-2expression with the clinicopathological parameters of NPC was analyzed; we also analyzed the correlation between the FoxM1 and COX-2 expression. Results FoxM1 and COX-2 expressions were significantly higher in NPC tissues compared to normal nasopharyngeal mucosa tissues (FoxM1: 68. 8% [55/ 80] vs 2. 5% [1/40]; COX-2: 62. 5% [50/80] vs 5. 0% [2/40]; P<0. 05). The expression of FoxM1 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (rs =0. 252, P<0. 05) and clinical stage of NPC (rs = 0. 230, P<0. 05), and expression of COX-2 was also significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (r = 0. 287, P<0. 05) and clinical stage of NPC (r = 0. 239, P<0. 05). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between FoxM1 and COX-2 expression (rs = 0. 631, P< 0. 05), indicating a direct or indirect interaction between them. Conclusion Increased expression of FoxM1 and COX-2 in NPC tissues might be associated with the development and progression of NPC.
