Cyclooxygenase and CD147 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient Samples and Cell Lines

Abstract Objectives In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) contribute to inflammation and CD147 contributes invasiveness, but their relationship has not been previously examined within a cohort of OSCC patients or cell lines. Study design Cyclooxygenase and CD147 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry on 39 surgical biopsies of OSCC. Expression in tumour cells, stroma, and adjacent oral epithelium was characterized using a visual grading system. COX-1, COX-2 and CD147 expression was determined in vitro using OSCC cell lines (BHY, HN, and SCC25) and RT-qPCR. Secretion of PGE2 from OSCC cell lines was determined by PGE2 ELISA. Results In biopsies, COX-2 expression was higher in tumour cells compared to stroma and adjacent epithelium ( p Conclusion Cyclooxygenases and CD147 appear to be independently regulated in OSCC, potentially representing two therapeutic targets for future investigation. COX-1 expression in OSCC deserves further study as it may be an important determinant of PGE2 secretion from OSCC cells.