Nuclear Division Index may Predict Neoplastic Colorectal Lesions

Area of Science:

• Cytogenetics
• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) development involves genetic damage and instability, detectable via cytogenetic methods.
• The Cytokinesis-Blocked Micronucleus Assay (CBMN) is a technique to evaluate genetic instability.
• Nuclear Division Index (NDI) is a cytogenetic marker assessed using the CBMN assay.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Nuclear Division Index (NDI) in peripheral lymphocytes of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and polyps.
• To compare NDI values in patients with CRC, polyps, and normal colonoscopy results.
• To determine the potential of NDI as a biomarker for colorectal neoplasia screening.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from patients following informed consent.
• The Cytokinesis-Blocked Micronucleus Assay (CBMN) was employed to analyze lymphocyte cell division and calculate NDI.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to evaluate NDI differences between patient groups.

Main Results:

• A total of 45 patients were analyzed (17 normal colonoscopy, 17 polyps, 11 CRC).
• Mean NDI values were significantly lower in patients with CRC or polyps compared to those with normal colonoscopy (1.57 vs. 1.73, p=0.013).
• NDI cut-off values showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity in predicting adenomas, advanced adenomas, or carcinomas.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear Division Index (NDI) shows potential as a simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive cytogenetic biomarker.
• NDI may be a valuable tool in screening strategies for colorectal cancer.
• Lower NDI values are associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps and cancer.