Aluminum and Colorectal Cancer: A Study on Mutations and Immune Response
Author Information
Author(s): Rita Bonfiglio, Erica Giacobbi, Valeria Palumbo, Stefano Casciardi, Renata Sisto, Francesca Servadei, Maria Paola Scioli, Stefania Schiaroli, Elena Cornella, Giulio Cervelli, Giuseppe Sica, Eleonora Candi, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Primary Institution: University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate the potential mutagenic effect of aluminum bioaccumulation in colorectal cancer samples, linking it to the alteration of key mediators of cancer progression, including immune response biomarkers.
Conclusion
The study found that aluminum bioaccumulation is associated with increased tumor mutational burden and the expression of immune response biomarkers in colorectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Aluminum bioaccumulation occurred in 100% of the colorectal cancer cases analyzed.
- A significant positive correlation was found between aluminum levels and tumor mutational burden.
- RNA sequencing revealed a significant association between aluminum concentration and the expression of the immune checkpoint molecule CTLA-4.
- Trends were observed for PD-1 and PD-L1, although they were not statistically significant.
- Aluminum levels correlated with the presence of myeloid cells and IFNγ expression in the tumor microenvironment.
Takeaway
This study shows that aluminum can build up in colorectal cancer tissues and may help cancer grow by causing mutations and affecting the immune system.
Methodology
Aluminum levels in colorectal cancer biopsy samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and correlated with tumor mutational burden and immune response markers through RNA sequencing.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the retrospective nature of the study and the selection of biopsy samples.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective design and the small sample size, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The study included male and female patients with colorectal cancer, with samples derived from both right and left colon cancers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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