Correlation of aromatase and cyclooxygenase gene expression in human breast cancer specimens

Recent Candidate Molecular Markers: Vitamin D Signaling and Apoptosis Specific Regulator of p53 (ASPP) in Breast Cancer

“…However, several invivo studies showed the inverse correlation between VDR and both COX-2 and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), as well as between PGE2 and 1α 25(OH) 2 D 3 levels suggests a possible link between VDR associated target genes and prostaglandin metabolism in breast cancer and ovarian cancer (Figure 3) (Thill et al, 2010a;2010b). Interestingly, a tight coupling between the expression of COX-2 and aromatase was observed in breast cancer patients (Brueggemeier et al, 1999;Brodie et al, 2001). 1α 25(OH) 2 D 3 decreases the expression of aromatase in breast cancer cells which leads to decreases estrogen synthesis.…”

Pre-surgical study of the biological effects of the selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib in patients with primary breast cancer

“…The mean age of the patients in the celecoxib arm was 68 years and in the no treatment arm 71 years. The median (range) tumour sizes were 19.5 mm (10-60) and 20mm (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29), respectively. Fifty percent and 67% respectively were grade 3.…”

“…Two isoenzymes exist, COX-1, which is constitutively active and COX-2 which is expressed in response to certain stimuli such as tumour promoters, endotoxin, cytokines and hormones (reviewed by Davies et al [13]). COX-2 expression has been associated with features of aggressive breast cancer [14], including large tumour size, positive axillary lymph node metastases and HER-2 postive status [15]. Indirect evidence linking COX-2 to breast cancer has come from studies of tissue PGs, in which high PG levels are associated with poor disease-free and overall survival [16,17].…”

“…In support of this Bruggemeier's group demonstrated a strong positive correlation between COX-2 and aromatase in 23 human breast tumours using quantitative RT-PCR. Of note however, the highest levels of COX-2 expression were also associated with tumours showing evidence of vascular invasion [31].…”

Breast Cancer, Estrogen Receptor and Ligands

“…Interestingly, correlations between COX and aromatase expression have been observed in human breast carcinomas [126]. These correlations are thought to reflect a causal link, because prostaglandine signaling can stimulate transcription of the CYP19 gene [127].…”