Nuclear Localization of COX-2 in relation to the Expression of Stemness Markers in Urinary Bladder Cancer

• Main Authors: Raynoo Thanan (Author), Mariko Murata (Author), Ning Ma (Author), Olfat Hammam (Author), Mohamed Wishahi (Author), Tarek El Leithy (Author), Yusuke Hiraku (Author), Shinji Oikawa (Author), Shosuke Kawanishi (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Hindawi Limited, 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0962-9351; 1466-1861; 10.1155/2012/165879
• Keywords: Pathology; RB1-214
• Source: Mediators of Inflammation, Vol 2012 (2012)

Inflammation may activate stem cells via prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of stemness markers (Oct3/4 and CD44v6) and COX-2 in urinary bladder tissues obtained from cystitis and cancer patients with and without Schistosoma haematobium infections. Immunoreactivity to Oct3/4 was significantly higher in S. haematobium-associated cystitis and cancer tissues than in normal tissues. CD44v6 expression was significantly higher in bladder cancer without S. haematobium than in normal tissues. COX-2 was located in the cytoplasmic membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus of the cancer cells. Interestingly, the nuclear localization of COX-2, which was reported to function as a transcription factor, was significantly associated with the upregulation of Oct3/4 and CD44v6 in bladder cancer tissues with and without S. haematobium infection, respectively. COX-2 activation may be involved in inflammation-mediated stem cell proliferation/differentiation in urinary bladder carcinogenesis.