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Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 inhibits growth of experimental colocarcinoma

Irena Kirman1, Natalia Poltoratskaia, Patricia Sylla

  • 1Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Surgery
|August 10, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) inhibits colon tumor growth in mice. This protein may offer a new therapeutic strategy for preventing colon neoplasms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is a cell growth regulator.
  • IGFBP-3 levels decrease after open surgery but not laparoscopic surgery.
  • IGFBP-3 induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells in vitro.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of IGFBP-3 on colonic epithelial cell growth in vivo.
  • To evaluate IGFBP-3 as a potential therapeutic agent for colon neoplasms.

Main Methods:

  • Two mouse models were used: azoxymethane (AOM)-induced carcinogenesis and syngeneic CT26 colon cancer cell inoculation.
  • Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were quantified in AOM-treated wild type (WT) and IGFBP-3 transgenic (IGFBP-3-TG) mice.
  • Tumor weight was measured in BALB/c mice inoculated with CT26 cells and treated with either saline or IGFBP-3.

Main Results:

  • IGFBP-3 transgenic mice exhibited significantly fewer ACF compared to WT controls (1.3 vs. 6.8, P < .001).
  • CT26 tumors were significantly smaller in mice treated with IGFBP-3 compared to controls (0.364 g vs. 0.742 g, P < .01).

Conclusions:

  • IGFBP-3 demonstrates inhibitory effects on colonic tumor development in experimental models.
  • IGFBP-3 shows potential as an adjuvant therapy for patients with colon neoplasms.

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