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The assessment of Dickkopf-1 and Dickkopf-2 protein concentration in different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer subtypes

  • 0Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland.
Contemporary Oncology +

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May 27, 2024

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May 27, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) protein levels were higher in adenocarcinoma lung cancer, suggesting an oncogenic role. Dickkopf-2 (DKK-2) levels decreased in all non-small cell lung cancer subtypes, indicating a tumor suppressor role.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background

  • Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
  • The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular processes and is often dysregulated in cancer.
  • Dickkopf proteins (DKK-1 and DKK-2) are key regulators of the Wnt pathway.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the concentrations of DKK-1 and DKK-2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues.
  • To correlate DKK-1 and DKK-2 levels with NSCLC subtypes and clinical parameters.
  • To explore the potential roles of DKK-1 and DKK-2 in NSCLC pathogenesis.

Main Methods

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify DKK-1 and DKK-2 protein levels.
  • Samples included tumor and matched non-tumor tissues from 65 NSCLC patients.
  • Patients' samples represented three major NSCLC subtypes: adenocarcinoma (AC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and large cell carcinoma (LCC).

Main Results

  • DKK-1 concentrations were significantly higher in AC tumor samples compared to non-tumor samples (p = 0.028).
  • DKK-1 levels were elevated in advanced NSCLC (T4 parameter, Stage III).
  • DKK-2 concentrations were significantly decreased across all NSCLC subtypes (p < 0.05) and lower in smokers.

Conclusions

  • DKK-1 may function as an oncogene in adenocarcinoma of the lung.
  • DKK-2 appears to act as a tumor suppressor in all NSCLC subtypes.
  • DKK-1 and DKK-2 exhibit differential roles in NSCLC, potentially influencing Wnt pathway activity and tumor progression.

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