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Expression of intestinal trefoil factor mRNA is downregulated during progression of colorectal carcinomas

H Uchino1, H Kataoka, H Itoh

  • 1Second Department of Pathology, Miyazaki Medical College, Kiyotake, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 14, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) mRNA is consistently found in colorectal cancers. Its expression decreases with advanced tumor stage, suggesting a role in inhibiting colorectal cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) is a peptide hormone predominantly expressed in intestinal goblet cells.
  • ITF plays a role in mucosal healing and protection.
  • Its expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of the intestinal trefoil factor gene in human colorectal cancers.
  • To determine the correlation between ITF expression and clinicopathological features of CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Examined ITF mRNA expression using Northern blot analysis.
  • Analyzed 27 cases of surgically resected primary colorectal carcinoma.
  • Correlated ITF expression with tumor stage (Dukes' classification) and histological differentiation.

Main Results:

  • ITF mRNA was consistently expressed in all studied colorectal tumors.
  • Expression levels were significantly lower in advanced stage tumors (Dukes' B, C, D) compared to early stage (Dukes' A).
  • A trend towards positive correlation between ITF mRNA levels and tumor histological differentiation was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal trefoil factor mRNA is consistently expressed in colorectal carcinoma.
  • ITF expression is inversely associated with tumor progression and advanced stage.
  • ITF may play a protective role in colorectal cancer development.

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