Figure 9

COX-2 expression in tumor tissue of BC patients. (A) Dependence of COX-2 expression on the CYP24A1 level. (B) Dependence of COX-2 expression on the CYP27B1 level. The patients were divided into groups based on menopausal status (determined by plasma FSH level: FSH > 25.8 mIU/mL postmenopausal; FSH < 25.8 mIU/mL premenopausal), vitamin D status (normal: 25(OH)D₃ ≥ 30 ng/mL, deficient: 25(OH)D₃ < 30 ng/mL plasma level), and tumor CYP24A1 or CYP27B1 expression. Protein expression was analyzed by western blot. The median value of densitometric analysis (protein/β-actin) was used as the criterion to divide the groups into high and low enzyme levels. Graphs depict the relative density of COX-2/β-actin in various groups of patients. Statistical analysis: Mann–Whitney test, *P < 0.05.