Galectin-3 expression in colorectal cancer: relation to invasion and metastasis

Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding protein, has been associated with various biological processes, such as cell adhesion, recognition, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of galectin-3 expression to clinicopathological findings in patients with colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the correlation between the expression of galectin-3 and beta-catenin, and the Ki-67 labeling index were investigated.

Immunohistochemical assessment of galectin-3, beta-catenin and Ki-67 expression was performed on samples from 108 patients with colorectal cancer. The expression of galectin-3 was classified at the tumor surface and the invasive front, and its relationship with clinicopathological factors was considered from a statistical viewpoint.

There was significant liver metastasis when the expression of galectin-3 was lower at the invasive front of a tumor compared to its surface (p = 0.04). There were also significant correlations between beta-catenin expression at the tumor surface and liver metastasis and tumor stage (p = 0.03, p = 0.04 respectively).

The reduction of galectin-3 expression is associated with the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer. A possible involvement of galectin-3 expression in tumor invasion, metastasis and proliferation in patients with colorectal cancer is suggested.