Molecular basis of colorectal cancer - role of gastrin and cyclooxygenase-2.

Abstract

1) Colorectal carcinoma and its resection margin overexpress gastrin and receptors for gastrin (CCK(B)-R), and COX-2; 2) here, we propose that an increased plasma level of gastrin should be considered as suitable biomarker of colorectal cancer, 3) HP infection may contribute to colonic cancerogenesis by enhancing expression of gastrin and COX-2, they may account for stimulation of the tumor growth, angiogenesis and reduction in apoptosis as evidenced an increased ratio of mRNA expression for anti-apoptotic Bcl2 over proapoptotic Bax proteins and 4) HP positive patients who develop colorectal cancer should be subjected to the HP eradication; this is expected to reduce hypergastrinemia and to attenuate COX-2 expression. Our final conclusion would be: treatment of patients with colorectal cancer with COX-2 selective inhibitors now gained a strong support as a preventive measure.