Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Nov 14, 2013; 19(42): 7361-7368
Published online Nov 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i42.7361
Role of cyclooxygenase-2 in gastric cancer development and progression
Jian Cheng, Xiao-Ming Fan
Jian Cheng, Xiao-Ming Fan, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
Author contributions: Fan XM conceived the topic and revised the paper; Cheng J reviewed the literature and wrote the paper.
Supported by Research Grant for Key Clinical Discipline Construction of Shanghai Municipality, China, No. ZK2012B20
Correspondence to: Xiao-Ming Fan, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, No. 1508, Longhang Road, Shanghai 201508, China. xiaomingfan57@sina.com
Telephone: +86-21-34189990 Fax: +86-21-57943141
Received: July 21, 2013
Revised: September 17, 2013
Accepted: September 29, 2013
Published online: November 14, 2013
Processing time: 119 Days and 12.2 Hours
Abstract

Although the incidence of gastric cancer has been declining in recent decades, it remains a major public health issue as the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In China, gastric cancer is still the main cause of death in patients with malignant tumors. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and mortality is high. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in prostanoid synthesis and plays an important role in the development and progression of gastric cancer. The expression of COX-2 in gastric cancer is upregulated and its molecular mechanisms have been investigated. Helicobacter pylori infection, tumor suppressor gene mutation and the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B may be responsible for the elevated expression of COX-2 in gastric cancer. The mechanisms of COX-2 in the development and progression of gastric cancer are probably through promoting the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, while inhibiting apoptosis, assisting angiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, and participating in cancer invasion and immunosuppression. This review is intended to discuss, comment and summarize recent research progress on the role of COX-2 in gastric cancer development and progression, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms which might be involved in the carcinogenesis.

Keywords: Cyclooxygenase-2; Gastric cancer; Prostagladin; Carcinogenesis; Molecular mechanism

Core tip: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in gastric cancer development and progression. The present review aims to determine the molecular mechanism of COX-2 overexpression in gastric cancer and focus on the detailed information on COX-2 involved in carcinogenesis. By reviewing research progress, this may be helpful in clarifying the internal relationship of the afore-mentioned aspects.