[Expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma]

To examine the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and their relationship in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and to evaluate their functions in the development and progression of TSCC.

The expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2 in 50 cases of TSCC was determined using SP immunohistochemical method. Data was statistically analyzed by Chi-square test with SPSS11.0 software package.

In the poorly differentiated TSCC group, NF-kappaB an COX-2 positive expression rate was 48% and 68.0%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the moderately- and well-differentiated group (P<0.05); In the TSCC group with lymph node metastasis, NF-kappaB and COX-2 positive expression rate was 42.3% and 61.5%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the group without lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). In the cases with COX-2 negative expression, NF-kappaB positive expression rate was 3.8%(1/26), significantly lower than that in the cases with COX-2 positive expression (P<0.05).

NF-kappaB and COX-2 expressions in the poorly differentiated and lymph node metastasis TSCC cases are higher than those in moderate- and well-differentiated and non- lymph node metastasis cases, NF-kappaB and COX-2 may be involved in the carcinogenesis and development of TSCC.