Η προγνωστική σημασία της έκφρασης του παράγοντα Cullin (Cul-1-2) στον καρκίνο του παχέος εντέρου

Abstract

The cullin family of proteins is involved in the ubiquitin/mediated degradation of cell cycle regulators. The aim of this study was to examine immunohistochemically the expression of Cullin (CUL)-1 and -2 proteins in colon cancer tissue specimens in correlation with clinicopathological variables. CUL-1 and -2 protein expression was examined immunohistochemically on paraffin embedded tissue sections from 96 colon cancer cases. CUL-1 and -2 protein positivity, extent of expression (on a four step scale) and intensity (mild, moderate, intense) of staining were correlated with patients?age, gender and TNM stage, tumor histological grade, proliferative capacity (Ki-67 labeling index) and p53 protein expression. CUL-1 and CUL-2 proteins were widely expressed in colon cancer cases examined and were correlated with important clinicopathological variables. Cullins 1 and 2 were correlated with the presence of adenomatous polyps, vascular invasion and adenomatous polyps tumor origin. Both Cullins expressed strong statistical correlation with the mutated protein p53 from early carcinogenesis. Adenomatous polyps suggest a strong factor for colorectal tumor progression and the mutated protein p53 suggest a strong factor for genetically unstable cells, thus Cullin expression probably constitutes a negative prognostic factor for colorectal cancer. Further molecular and clinical studies are needed in order to delineate the clinical importance of these proteins in the managment of colon cancer patients.