Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of malignancy, with an annual incidence of about 10% of the total number of new cases. Despite well-developed screening tests, mortality from this type of cancer remains unchanged. Therefore, it is important to search for more accurate markers that are useful in the detection of colorectal cancer (especially in its early stages), and treatment. Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) are a family of eight proteins with a diversity of applications, including pro- and anti-angiogenic properties. Consequently, we performed an extensive search of the literature, pertaining to our investigation, via the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Based on the available literature, we summarize that some of those proteins are characterized by increased or decreased concentrations during the course of CRC. We can also assume that some ANGPTLs can inhibit the development of CRC, while others induce its progress. Moreover, some factors are dependent on the stage or histological type of the tumor, the presence of hypoxia, or metastases. Most importantly, some ANGPTLs can be useful in anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, further studies on ANGPTLs as potential markers of CRC should be continued.
Highlights
In a paper by Shen et al [51], the authors checked whether knockdown of ANGPTL4 and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) would provide new targets to improve the outcomes in patients with hyperlipidemia-associated Colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis
Based on the published data, it can be assumed that the increase in expression and, the concentration of Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) with anti-angiogenic properties, could be important during anti-cancer therapy. This has not been investigated to date; it was shown that ANGPTL1 might be associated with restricted CRC initiation and development, as well as better overall survival, better prognosis; and repression of colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion, which clearly reduce metastasis [33]
A review of the available literature indicates that angiopoietin-like proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer development
Summary
Despite the progress made in the field of prophylaxis, in regard to diagnosis and treatment of malignant neoplasms, treatment outcomes are still unsatisfactory. Primary prophylaxis is directed at preventing malignant neoplasms through all activities aimed at reducing the risk of developing cancer. As a part of preventive/screening tests of benign lesions (adenomas) and colorectal cancer, tests are available, including the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonography, or a multi-target stool deoxyribonucleic acid (mt-sDNA) test [6]. Most tests do not even require special preparation (as was the case earlier with the guaiacol method used in FOBT), such as the consumption of meat (especially red meat), iron supplementation, or green vegetables, as these test are based on specific antibodies against the human hemoglobin These types of tests are the most commonly used due to their high availability and non-invasiveness. It is vital to search for new, more accurate markers with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in the detection of colorectal cancer, in the early stages of the disease [8]
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