Thrombospondin 2 and Colon Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Tokunaga T, Nakamura M, Oshika Y, Abe Y, Ozeki Y, Fukushima Y, Hatanaka H, Sadahiro S, Kijima H, Tsuchida T, Yamazaki H, Tamaoki N, Ueyama Y
Primary Institution: Tokai University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The expression of thrombospondin 2 (TSP-2) is correlated with the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis in colon cancer.
Conclusion
Higher expression of TSP-2 in colon cancer is associated with lower rates of liver metastasis and better prognosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 38 out of 61 colon cancers expressed TSP-2 and had lower rates of liver metastasis.
- TSP-2 expression was significantly associated with M0 stage in colon cancers.
- Patients with TSP-2 expression had a lower frequency of liver metastasis correlated with VEGF-189.
- TSP-2(–)/VEGF-189(+) cancers had increased vessel counts and density.
- Patients with TSP-2(–)/VEGF-189(+) had poorer prognosis compared to those with TSP-2(+) / VEGF-189(–).
Takeaway
This study found that a protein called TSP-2 helps stop colon cancer from spreading to the liver.
Methodology
Gene expression of TSP-1 and TSP-2 was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in colon cancer samples.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 61 colon cancer patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.02; P = 0.03; P = 0.0006; P < 0.0001; P = 0.0014
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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