The Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-1 and Its Signaling Receptors in Human Colorectal Carcinoma. |
Gyeong Seon Kim, Joo Heon Kim, Woo Sung Moon, Myoung Ja Chung, Dong Geun Lee, Myoung Jae Kang |
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University, Chonju 561-712, Korea. mjkang@moak.chonbuk.ac.kr 2Department of Pathology, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 301-070, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
BACKGROUND: Resistance to the potent growth inhibitory effects of TGF- (transforming growth factor-) is a characteristic of many malignancies. TGF- insensitivity has been attributed to alterations in the number and function of the TGF- receptors as well as disturbances of downstream signal transduction. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of TGF-1 and its receptors in human colorectal cancer tissue and determine its relationship with cancer growth and with prognostic factors.
METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining of TGF-1, TGF-RI, and TGF-RII was performed on 20 human colorectal adenomas, 30 carcinomas and 10 normal mucosas as a control.
RESULTS: The staining indices of TGF-1, TGF-RI, and TGF-RII increased in adenomas and carcinomas compared with normal mucosas and adenomas, respectively. In adenomas the staining index of TGF-1 significantly increased with the severity of atypism. The staining index of TGF-RII increased in the carcinomas in the right colon and rectum, compared with those in the left colon.
CONCLUSION: The enhanced expression of TGF-1, TGF-RI and II in the colorectal carcinoma suggests an important role of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. |
Key Words:
Colorectal neoplasms; Transforming growth factor beta; Receptors; Immunohistochemistry |
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