The study found that HGF, HGFR, EGF, VEGF, and, COX-2 are activated in the injured mucosa of EE patients; their activation might be involved in mucosal repair and ulcer healing of EE.
We conclude that 1) HP infected gastric ulcer margin coexpresses gastrin, its receptors (CCK(B)-R), and COX-2; 2) HP infection may be implicated in gastric ulceration via increased release of gastrin that could be responsible for the overexpression of COX-2 that in turn could help ulcer healing through the stimulation of mucosal cell growth, restoration of the glandular structure and angiogenesis in the ulcer area and 3) gastrin produced in HP infected antral mucosa seems to be involved in the induction of COX-2 and PG production by this enzyme and this may contribute to the ulcer healing.
Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is the inducible enzyme in the gastric mucosa responsible for prostaglandin production during inflammation and ulcer healing.