Cox-2 expression and inflammation in Barretts Esophagus

4861 Cox-2 is overexpressed in Barretts Esophagus (BE) a premalignant condition. However, it also modulates inflammation (INF), not necessarily a concomitant of premalignancy. We prospectively studied Cox-2 expression in 55 patients with BE, BE & IFN, IFN only & normal controls correlating Cox-2 with IFN & tumor markers. Methods: We stained endoscopic biopsy sections of squamous esophagus (Sq), BE, gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) and fundus (fun) & other sites with a Cox-2 monoclonal; with a marker of the adenoma-carcinoma (Adnab-9) & the de novo pathway (p53), vasculogenic (VEGF), & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) biomarkers (Tn and Das-1). The slides were pre-graded for INF and BE by a pathologist and intake of NSAIDs (Cox-2 inhibitors)/esophageal irritant drugs (EID) noted. Results: Patient mean age 59.3+12.9 years, 91% male. 29% took NSAID/EID, 5 had BE, 10 BEI VEGF in 44%; Tn 33% & Das-1 23%. There were correlations of intensity between Cox-2 and p53 (r=0.53;p