Abstract:

Objective   To explore the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence, and analyze the relationship with the epithelial dysplastic degree.  Methods   Expressions of OPN were detected by the immunohistochemistry in 60 cases with normal colorectal epithelia, 50 cases with adenoma and 60 cases with carcinoma. Results   During the progression from normal colorectal epithelia to the carcinoma, OPN expressions significantly increased. The positive rates of OPN expressions in normal epithelia, adenoma and carcinoma were 3.3%, 66% and 81.5%. OPN expressions were related with the dysplastic degree of epithelia.  Conclusion   During the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in the colorectum, OPN expression rates increase with the development of the epithelial dysplasia. OPN may play an important role in the malignant transformation.

Key words: Osteopontin; Colorectum; Adenoma-carcinoma sequence