Chemokines in Primary Liver Cancer.

The liver is responsible for extremely important functions in the human body. In the liver's structure, we distinguish between connective tissue (stroma) and parenchyma, the latter of which is formed from the basic structural and functional units of the liver-hepatocytes. There are many factors, that negatively affect the liver cells, contributing to their damage. This may lead to fibrosis, liver failure and, in consequence, primary liver cancer, which is the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Chemokines are a large family of secreted proteins. Their main role is to direct the recruitment and migration of cells to sites of inflammation or injury. Some authors suggest that these proteins might play a potential role in the development of many malignancies, including primary liver cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate and summarize the knowledge regarding liver diseases, especially primary liver cancer (HCC) and the participation of chemokines in the development of this malignancy. Chemokines involved in the initiation of this type of tumor belong mainly to the CC and CXC chemokines. Their significant role in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma proves their usefulness in detecting and monitoring the course and treatment in patients with this disease.

Relationship between VEGF Family Members, Their Receptors and Cell Death in the Neoplastic Transformation of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the world. Both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of this tumor. The diagnosis is usually made late due to limitations of screening tests; therefore, the scientists are looking for new diagnostic tools such as gene or miRNA expression or different proteins' concentrations, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members. The VEGF family (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D and PlGF) plays a key role in the processes of blood vessel formation in embryonic development as well as in pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which allow the tumor to grow exponentially. Blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. It was suggested in recent studies, that besides already used drugs, e.g., bevacizumab, there are other agents with potential usefulness in anticancer activity such as miRNAs, TMEA, granzyme K, baicalein and arginine. Moreover, VEGF proteins were assessed to induce the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL-2 and BAX. Therefore, investigations concerning the usefulness of VEGF family members, not only in the development but also in the therapy of CRC, in order to fully elucidate their role in carcinogenesis, are extremely important.

Angiopoietin-like Proteins in Colorectal Cancer-A Literature Review.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of malignancy, with an annual incidence of about 10% of the total number of new cases. Despite well-developed screening tests, mortality from this type of cancer remains unchanged. Therefore, it is important to search for more accurate markers that are useful in the detection of colorectal cancer (especially in its early stages), and treatment. Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) are a family of eight proteins with a diversity of applications, including pro- and anti-angiogenic properties. Consequently, we performed an extensive search of the literature, pertaining to our investigation, via the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Based on the available literature, we summarize that some of those proteins are characterized by increased or decreased concentrations during the course of CRC. We can also assume that some ANGPTLs can inhibit the development of CRC, while others induce its progress. Moreover, some factors are dependent on the stage or histological type of the tumor, the presence of hypoxia, or metastases. Most importantly, some ANGPTLs can be useful in anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, further studies on ANGPTLs as potential markers of CRC should be continued.

Plasma levels of M-CSF and VEGF in laboratory diagnostics and differentiation of selected histological types of cervical cancers.

BACKGROUND: The search of useful serum biomarkers for the early detection of cervical cancers has been of a high priority. The activation of Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is likely involved in the pathogenesis and spread of cancer. We compared the plasma levels of M-CSF and VEGF to the ones of commonly accepted tumor markers CA 125and SCC-Ag in three groups of patients: 1. the cervical cancer group (patients with either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma); 2. the cervical dysplasia group; 3. the control group. METHODS: This cohort study included 100 patients with cervical cancer and 55 patients with cervical dysplasia. The control group consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. The plasma levels of VEGF and M-CSF were determined using ELISA, while CA 125 and SCC-Ag concentrations were obtained by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: The median levels of M-CSF and VEGF as well as CA 125 and SCC-Ag in the entire group of cervical cancer patients, were significantly different compared to the healthy women group. In case of both the squamous cell carcinoma and the adenocarcinoma groups, plasma levels of M-CSF and VEGF were higher compared to the control group. No significant differences in the studied parameters between the squamous cell carcinoma and the adenocarcinoma group were observed. The highest sensitivity and specificity were obtained for VEGF (81.18 and 76.00%, respectively) and SCC-Ag (81.18%; 74.00%) in the squamous cell carcinoma group and for VEGF (86.67%; 76.00%) in the adenocarcinoma group. The area under the ROC curve for VEGF was the largest in the adenocarcinoma group followed by the squamous cell carcinoma group (0.9082 and 0.8566 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results indicate a possible clinical applicability and a high diagnostic power for the combination of MSC-F, VEGF, CA 125 and SCC-Ag in the diagnosis of both studied types of cervical cancer.

Plasma levels and diagnostic utility of macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 as tumor markers in cervical cancer patients.

Macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 may play an important role in malignant processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of those parameters (serological biomarkers) in comparison to cancer antigen 125 and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in cervical cancer patients and in relation to the control groups. The study included 100 cervical cancer patients, 50 patients with cervical ectropion and 50 healthy women. Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cancer antigen 125, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Plasma levels of all parameters in the total cancer group showed statistical significance (in all cases p < 0.05). In stage I of cancer only medial supraclavicular fossa and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, in stage II all the tested parameters and cancer antigen 125, and in stage III + IV macrophage-colony stimulating factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and cancer antigen 125 showed statistical significance when compared to the healthy volunteers group. Macrophage-colony stimulating factor showed the highest value of sensitivity from all tested parameters (I: 56.25%, II: 72.73%, III + IV: 77.14% and 69% in total cervical cancer group). The highest specificity was obtained by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (94%). Positive predictive values were highest also for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (I: 82.35%, II: 84.21%, III + IV: 88% and 94.55% in total cervical cancer group), negative predictive values for macrophage-colony stimulating factor (I: 75.44%, II: 82.69%, III + IV: 87.5% and 58.11% in total cervical cancer group) and tumor markers. In the total cervical cancer group, all tested parameters showed statistically significant areas under receiver operating characteristic curve, but maximum range was obtained for the combination macrophage-colony stimulating factor + squamous cell carcinoma antigen (0.8723). The combined analysis of tested parameters and tumor markers resulted in an increase in sensitivity and areas under receiver operating characteristic curve values, which provides hope for developing new panel of biomarkers that may be used in the diagnosis of cervical cancer in the future.

Human Plasma Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 and Their Applicability as Tumor Markers in Diagnoses of Cervical Cancer Based on ROC Analysis.

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major diagnostic problem. The introduction of human papillomavirus vaccination significantly reduced the number of new cases; however, the search for new methods that would earlier indicate the development of cancerous changes is vital. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of those parameters in comparison to Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen (SCC-Ag) in patients with CC and in relation to the control group. The study included 100 patients with CC and 50 healthy women. Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, CA 125, and SCC-Ag by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Plasma levels of all parameters in the total cancer group showed statistical significance (in all cases P < .05). In stage I cancer, only vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1; in stage II, all the tested parameters and CA 125; and in stage III + IV, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and CA 125 showed statistical significance when compared to the healthy volunteers group. Vascular endothelial growth factor showed the highest value of sensitivity from all tested parameters (I: 75%, II: 76%, III + IV: 94%, and 82% in total CC group). The highest specificity was obtained by MMP-9 (94%). In the total CC, stage I, and stage II groups, all tested parameters showed statistically significant area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), but maximum range was obtained for the combination VEGF + SCC-Ag (I: 0.9146, II: 0.8941, III + IV: 0.9139, total CC group: 0.9347). The combined analysis of tested parameters and tumor markers resulted in an increase in sensitivity and AUC values, which provides hope for developing new panel of biomarkers that may be used in the diagnosis of CC in the future.

ROC analysis of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in psoriatic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease characterised by typical scaly skin lesions. The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the pathogenesis and development of this condition have been repeatedly emphasised in available literature. AIM: ROC analysis of selected MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-2) and TIMPs (TIMP-2, TIMP-3) in psoriasis patients. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) indicates the clinical usefulness of a biomarker and its diagnostic power. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Plasma samples of 49 patients suffering from plaque psoriasis and 40 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used to define disease advancement. RESULTS: In the total psoriasis patients group, the largest area under the ROC curve was obtained for TIMP-3. After the division of the total group based on disease severity, the highest AUC of all tested parameters was observed for patients with mild disease severity and subgroup Ia for TIMP-3, for subgroup Ib for MMP-12, and for individuals with moderate disease severity for MMP-2. The combined analysis of all tested parameters showed an increase in AUC values in the total group examined as well as in all groups of disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the usefulness and high diagnostic power of TIMP-3 in early detection of psoriasis. Additionally, the combination of all tested parameters appeared to be a valuable biomarker panel for the analysed disease.

Plasma levels and diagnostic utility of VEGF, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in the diagnostics of breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated plasma levels and diagnostic utility of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in comparison to cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3). METHODS: Plasma levels of tested parameters were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while CA 15-3 with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: The plasma levels of VEGF, TIMP-2 showed significantly higher than CA 15-3 values of the diagnostic sensitivity, the predictive values of positive and negative test results (PPV, NPV) and the area under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) in early stages of breast cancer (BC). The combined use of the tested parameters with CA 15-3 resulted in the increase in sensitivity, NPV and AUC, especially in the combination with VEGF (83%; 72%; 0.888) and TIMP-2 (83%; 72%; 0.894). The highest values were obtained for combination of all three parameters (93%; 85%; 0.923). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the usefulness of the tested parameters in the diagnosis of BC, especially VEGF and TIMP-2 with CA 15-3 in early stages of BC, which could be a new diagnostic panel.

[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancer patients]. / Ocena stezenia i przydatnosci diagnostycznej metaloproteinazy-9 i CA 125 w osoczu chorych na raka szyjki macicy.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. The physiological function of MMP-9 is associated with regulation of immune processes, embryogenesis, reproduction and wound healing. MMP-9 also plays a critical role in tumor invasion, degrading the basement membrane, what is observed in different types of cancers: breast, gastrointestinal, and gynecological. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels and diagnostic utility of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 72 patients with cervical cancer and 24 healthy women. Plasma levels of the MMP- 9 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and CA 15-3 - by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: This studies have shown increase levels of MMP-9 and CA 125 in cervical cancer patients compared to health control group. In addition, the MMP-9 concentration increased with the clinical stage of tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-9, positive and negative predictive value, were higher or equal than CA 125, but this parameter can not be used as a single marker. Our studies of MMP-9 have shown a high utility to the exclusion of cancer, similarly to CA 125. The combined analysis of MMP-9 and CA 125 significantly increased the ability to diagnose a cervical cancer and the possibility exclusion of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 has shown the usefulness in the diagnosis of cervical cancer, but only in the combined analysis with CA 125, as a new diagnostic panel.

Influence of narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy on plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-12 in psoriatic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) may play an important role in the pathogenesis and spread of psoriatic disease. AIM: To investigate plasma levels of the selected enzyme in plaque psoriasis patients before and after the course of narrowband UVB (NBUVB) therapy with respect to disease advancement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort included 49 patients suffering from plaque psoriasis, divided into groups according to severity of the disease. The control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers. Plasma levels of MMP-12 were determined using immunoenzyme assay (ELISA), while the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used to define disease advancement. RESULTS: The results have shown a significantly decreased plasma level of MMP-12 in the total psoriasis patient group compared to healthy individuals, declining with the increase in disease advancement. The NBUVB therapy caused a decrease in the concentration of the analyzed enzyme, but this change was not statistically significant in the total group of psoriatic patients, while a significant change was detected in patients with a mild advancement of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased synthesis of MMP-12 may lead to the stimulation of the epidermal angiogenesis process, which results in the appearance and spread of psoriatic scales. Based on the obtained results, macrophage metalloelastase seems to be a negatively reacting plasma biomarker of the studied disease.

Plasma Levels and Diagnostic Utility of M-CSF, MMP-2 and its Inhibitor TIMP-2 in the Diagnostics of Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: M-CSF, MMP-2 and its inhibitor TIMP-2 may play a role in the pathogenesis and proliferation of breast cancer (BC). In this paper, plasma levels and the diagnostic utility of these parameters were investigated in comparison to CA 15-3 in patients with BC and in relation to the control groups: patients with benign breast tumor and healthy subjects. METHODS: Plasma levels of the tested parameters were determined using immunoenzyme assay (ELISA) and CA 15-3 with a chemiluminescence method (CMIA). RESULTS: Our results demonstrated significant differences in the concentration of the tested parameters and CA 15-3 between BC patients and healthy subjects or benign breast tumor patients. Only the plasma levels of TIMP-2 were significantly higher at all tumor stages (I - IV) when compared to healthy controls. M-CSF and TIMP-2 values were comparable to CA 15-3 values for the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, the predictive values of positive and negative test results (PPV, NPV) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the total BC group. The combined use of the tested parameters with CA 15-3 resulted in the increase in sensitivity, NPV, and AUC, especially in the combination of M-CSF with comparative tumor marker (78%;65%;0.866, respectively) and TIMP-2 with comparative tumor marker (84%;71%;0.895, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the usefulness of the tested parameters in the diagnosis of BC. However, the highest usefulness in the diagnostics of early BC (stage I and II) was found in case of TIMP-2 (particularly for differential diagnosis between BC and benign breast tumor) and M-CSF, especially with CA 15-3, which could be a new diagnostic panel.

Diagnostic Power of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Breast Cancer Patients Based on ROC Analysis.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been described as an important regulator of angiogenesis which plays a vital role in the progression of tumor. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a cytokine whose functions include regulation of hematopoietic lineages cells growth, proliferation, and differentiation. We investigated the diagnostic significance of these parameters in comparison to CA15-3 in BC patients and in relation to the control group (benign breast tumor and healthy women). Plasma levels of the tested parameters were determined by ELISA and CA15-3 was determined by CMIA. VEGF was shown to be comparable to CA15-3 values of sensitivity in BC group and, what is more important, higher values in early stages of BC. VEGF was also the only parameter which has statistically significant AUC in all stages of cancer. M-CSF has been shown to be comparable to CA15-3 and VEGF, specificity, and AUC values only in stages III and IV of BC. These results indicate the usefulness and high diagnostic power of VEGF in the detection of BC. Also, it occurred to be the best candidate for cancer diagnostics in stages I and II of BC and in the differentiation between BC and benign cases.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Incidence.

Despite the fact that the global COVID-19 pandemic has officially ended, we continue to feel its effects and discover new correlations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and changes in the organism that have occurred in patients. It has been shown that the disease can be associated with a variety of complications, including disorders of the nervous system such as a characteristic loss of smell and taste, as well as less commonly reported incidents such as cranial polyneuropathy or neuromuscular disorders. Nervous system diseases that are suspected to be related to COVID-19 include Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is frequently caused by viruses. During the course of the disease, autoimmunity destroys peripheral nerves, which despite its rare occurrence, can lead to serious consequences, such as symmetrical muscle weakness and deep reflexes, or even their complete abolition. Since the beginning of the pandemic, case reports suggesting a relationship between these two disease entities have been published, and in some countries, the increasing number of Guillain-Barré syndrome cases have also been reported. This suggests that previous contact with SARS-CoV-2 may have had an impact on their occurrence. This article is a review and summary of the literature that raises awareness of the neurological symptoms' prevalence, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, which may be impacted by the commonly occurring COVID-19 disease or vaccination against it. The aim of this review was to better understand the mechanisms of the virus's action on the nervous system, allowing for better detection and the prevention of its complications.

A Novel Approach to Staging and Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Early Stages.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant problem affecting patients all over the world. Since it is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths, many scientists aim to expand their knowledge on the detection in early stages and treatment of this disease. Chemokines, as protein parameters involved in many processes accompanying the development of cancer, constitute a group of potential biomarkers that could also be useful in the detection of CRC. For this purpose, our research team used the results of thirteen parameters (nine chemokines, one chemokine receptor and three comparative markers, i.e., CEA, CA19-9 and CRP) to calculate one hundred and fifty indexes. Moreover, for the first time, the relationship between these parameters during the ongoing cancer process and in comparison to a control group are presented. As a result of statistical analyses using patients' clinical data and the obtained indexes, it was established that several of the indexes have a diagnostic utility that is much higher than the tumor marker that is currently the most commonly used (CEA) currently. Furthermore, two of the indexes (CXCL14/CEA and CXCL16/CEA) showed not only extremely high usefulness in the detection of CRC in its early stages, but also the ability to determine whether the stage is low (stage I and II) or high (stage III and IV).

The Role of Pentraxin 3 in Gastrointestinal Cancers.

Gastrointestinal cancers have become a huge problem worldwide as the number of new cases continues to increase. Due to the growing need to explore new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the detection and treatment of cancerous lesions, we sought to elucidate the role of Pentraxin-3 in the progression of cancerous lesions, as it is involved in the process of angiogenesis and inflammation. Statistically significant changes in the concentration of this parameter have emerged in many gastrointestinal cancer patients. Moreover, it is related to the advancement of cancer, as well as processes leading to the development of those changes. In the case of studies concerning tissue material, both increased and decreased tissue expression of the tested parameter were observed and were dependent on the type of cancer. In the case of cell lines, both human and animal, a significant increase in Pentraxin 3 gene expression was observed, which confirmed the changes observed at the protein level. In conclusion, it can be assumed that PTX3, both at the level of gene expression and protein concentrations, is highly useful in the detection of gastrointestinal cancers, and its use as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target may be useful in the future.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Ligands and Receptors in Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy responsible for the largest number of deaths in women worldwide. The risk of developing BC is predisposed by many factors such as age, presence of genetic mutations or body weight. The diagnosis is mostly made relatively late, which is why patients are exposed to radical surgical treatments, long-term chemotherapy and lower survival rates. There are no sufficiently sensitive and specific screening tests; therefore, researchers are still looking for new diagnostic biomarkers that would indicate the appearance of neoplastic changes in the initial stage of neoplasm. The VEGF family of proteins (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, EG-VEGF, PlGF) and their receptors are significant factors in the pathogenesis of BC. They play a significant role in the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The usefulness of these proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers has been initially proven. Moreover, the blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. Recent studies have tried to describe novel strategies, including targeting pericytes, use of miRNAs and extracellular tumor-associated vesicles, immunotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. This indicates their possible contribution to the formation of breast cancer and their usefulness as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Potential Utility of Cerebrospinal Fluid Glycoprotein Nonmetastatic Melanoma Protein B as a Neuroinflammatory Diagnostic Biomarker in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of neurons and extracellular amyloid-peptide buildup. There is compelling evidence that the disease process depends on neuroinflammatory alterations, such as the activation of astrocytes and microglia cells. A transmembrane glycoprotein known as glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) plays a neuroprotective role during the development of neurodegeneration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation discussing the potential clinical usefulness of this protein in the AD continuum, especially in the MCI (mild cognitive impairment) stage. A total of 71 patients with AD or MCI as well as controls were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of GPNMB, YKL-40, Aß1-42 (amyloid beta 1-42), Tau, and pTau and the Aß1-42/1-40 ratio in the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) were tested using immunological methods. The concentrations of both GPNMB and YKL-40 in the cerebrospinal fluid were significantly higher in patients with AD and MCI compared to the controls. Moreover, both proteins were biochemically associated with classical biomarkers of AD and were especially associated with the Aß1-42/1-40 ratio and Tau and pTau levels in the whole study group. Elevated concentrations of GPNMB were observed in the Aß(+) group of AD patients compared to the Aß(-) subjects. Additionally, the diagnostic performance (AUC value) of GPNMB was higher than that of amyloid ß1-42 in MCI patients compared with controls. Our study indicates that GPNMB might be a promising neuroinflammatory biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of the AD continuum, with potential utility as a therapeutic target.

The Significance of CXCL1 and CXCR1 as Potential Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer.

The CXCL1/CXCR2 and CXCL8-CXCR1/CXCR2 axes are under intensive investigation as they appear to regulate the progression and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC). Growing evidence demonstrates the elevated expression of these proteins in CRC. However, a majority of relevant studies have been performed on CRC tissues using immunohistochemical techniques. Our study is the first to evaluate the diagnostic significance of serum CXCL1 and CXCR1 levels in CRC patients in comparison to well-established tumor markers, such as the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Thus, the aim of our study was to assess whether circulating serum levels of CXCL1 and CXCR1 might be candidates for novel biomarkers in the diagnosis and progression of CRC. The study was performed on 76 subjects, including patients with CRC and healthy volunteers as a control group. Serum concentrations of CXCL1, CXCR1, and the classical tumor marker (CEA) were measured using immunoenzyme assays, while CRP levels were assessed with the immunoturbidimetric method. Serum CXCL1 levels were statistically significantly increased in CRC patients when compared to healthy subjects, and similar results were found for CEA and CRP levels. The percentage of elevated concentrations of CXCL1 and CXCR1 was higher than that of the classical tumor biomarker and increased in the combined measurement of these proteins with CEA. In addition, among all proteins tested, serum CXCL1 seems to be the best indicator in the differentiation between CRC patients with nodal involvement and patients without the presence of lymph node metastasis. Our preliminary results indicate the role of serum CXCL1 and CXCR1 in the diagnosis of CRC, particularly in the combined measurement with CEA.

CXCL5 and CXCL14, but not CXCL16 as potential biomarkers of colorectal cancer.

Experts emphasize that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are increasing. That is why its early detection is of the utmost importance. Patients with cancer diagnosed in earlier stages have a better prognosis and a chance for faster implementation of treatment. Consequently, it is vital to search for new parameters that could be useful in its diagnosis. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of CXCL5, CXCL14 and CXCL16 in serum of 115 participants (75 CRC patients and 40 healthy volunteers). Concentrations of all parameters were measured using Luminex. CRP (C-reactive protein) levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry, while levels of classical tumor markers were measured using CMIA (Chemiluminescence Microparticle Immunoassay). Concentrations of CXCL5 were statistically higher in the CRC group when compared to healthy controls. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CXCL5 and CXCL14 were higher than those of CA 19-9. Obtained results suggest the usefulness of CXCL5 and CXCL16 in the determination of distant metastases and differentiation between TNM (Tumor-Node-Metastasis) stages, as well as the usefulness of CXCL14 and CRP combination in CRC detection (primary or recurrence). However, further studies concerning their role in CRC progression are crucial to confirm and explain their diagnostic utility and clinical application as biomarkers.

The Significance of Selected C-C Motif Chemokine Ligands in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms. Despite the advances in diagnostic tools and treatments, the number of CRC cases is increasing. Therefore, it is vital to search for new parameters that could be useful in its diagnosis. Thus, we wanted to assess the usefulness of selected CC chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, and CCL15) in CRC. The study included 115 subjects (75 CRC patients and 40 healthy volunteers). The serum concentrations of all parameters were measured using a multiplexing method (Luminex). The CRP levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry, and the classical tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) were measured using CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay). The concentrations of all parameters were higher in the CRC group when compared to the healthy controls. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of all estimated CC chemokines were higher than those of CA 19-9. Interestingly, the obtained results also suggest CCL2's significance in the determination of local metastases and CCL4's significance in the determination of distant metastases. However, further studies concerning the role of selected CC chemokines in the course of colorectal cancer are necessary to confirm and to fully clarify their diagnostic utility and their clinical application as markers of CRC development.