Inflammation plays an important role to the process of prostate carcinogenesis by increasing the rate of cell proliferation,
which contributes to an aggressive tumour phenotype. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been found overexpressed in
various types of cancer cells including prostate. The aim of this study was to investigate the COX-2 expressions in different
types of human prostate tissues. Paraffin-embedded prostate tissues from 263 samples were examined for the expression
of COX-2 marker by immunohistochemistry method. COX-2 was found highly expressed in prostate adenocarcinoma
(p=0.001) as compared to benign and normal tissues. The score of COX-2 expressions in most of normal prostate was
weak 49 (77.8%), while only 16 (16%) of BPH showed strong expression. 56 cases (56%) prostate cancer showed strong
COX-2 expression. Prostate cancer cases showed significant differences in staining patterns as tumour grade increased.
In addition, COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with Gleason score in cancerous tissues. This study suggests
that COX-2 overexpression is associated with prostate cancer and higher grade tumour.