Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2011;40(3):245-251

Expression of caspase apoptosis pathway genes mRNA in colorectal cancer and polyps.

Yi-feng PAN 1 ; Ming-wu ZHANG ; Ming-juan JIN ; Shan-chun ZHANG ; Kun CHEN ; Qi-long LI ; Xin-yuan MA ; Kai-yan YAO ; Yun-xian YU

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

Chinese

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo investigate mRNA expression of caspase apoptosis pathway genes in colorectal cancer, polyps and normal mucosa.

METHODSNineteen patients with colorectal cancer, 86 patients with polyps and 10 normal controls were enrolled from 2008 to 2010. Fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of caspase apoptosis pathway genes (caspase-2,-3,-6,-7,-8,-9 and -10) in colorectal cancer, polyps and normal mucosa.

RESULTThere were no statistically significant differences of demographic characteristics between patients with colorectal cancer, patients with polyps and normal controls. Compared with normal control group, the mRNA expression of all selected genes except for caspase-3 were lower; however, the P values did not reach statistic significance. Highly positive correlations were observed between mRNA expression of all selected genes except caspase-9.

CONCLUSIONThere are no significant changes in mRNA expression levels of caspase apoptosis pathway genes from normal mucosa to polyps to cancer. The mRNA expressions of most caspase pathway genes are highly correlated with each other.