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

Abstract EN

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.