Chitinase-like Proteins YKL-40 and YKL-39 in Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs), YKL-40 and YKL-39, are secreted glycoproteins implicated in inflammation, immune responses, and cancer development.
• Their elevated expression in various cancers suggests potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
• Colorectal cancer (CRC) requires improved biomarkers for patient stratification and treatment response prediction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of YKL-40 and YKL-39 as potential biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC).
• To assess the expression levels of these chitinase-like proteins in CRC tissues, plasma, and white blood cells (WBCs).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of tissue, plasma, and WBC gene expression levels for YKL-40 and YKL-39 in CRC patients and healthy controls.
• Correlation of CLP expression with clinicopathological features, specifically tumor budding.

Main Results:

• A significant association was observed between the tissue expression of YKL-40 and YKL-39 and tumor budding in CRC.
• Plasma YKL-39 levels were significantly lower in CRC patients compared to controls.
• Plasma YKL-40 concentrations were significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls.
• No statistically significant differences in CLP gene expression were found in WBCs between CRC patients and controls.

Conclusions:

• YKL-40 and YKL-39 exhibit distinct expression patterns in plasma of CRC patients, suggesting their utility as potential biomarkers.
• These findings contribute to understanding the clinical significance of CLPs in CRC and support their use in patient stratification.