Abstract
The count of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) has been proposed as a useful method for evaluating cell replication in human tumours. The current study was undertaken to compare AgNOR values in colorectal cancers with two better established methods for investigating cell proliferation such as bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) and 3[H]-thymidine (3[H]dT) labelling indices (LIs). Because some concern still exists regarding accuracy and reproducibility of AgNOR quantifying methods, we carried out a control study by independently repeating the same measurements (number, area and area per silver-stained NOR particle) in two centres with different operators and computer-assisted image analysers on 40 colorectal carcinomas. AgNOR values recorded in the two centres were strictly correlated (r = 0.75; P < 0.001 for number; r = 0.62, P < 0.01 for area; r = 0.63, P < 0.001 for area per silver-stained NOR particle) and the range of values were almost identical. Then, AgNOR values were compared with BrdUrd and 3[H]dT LIs, respectively obtained by in vivo incorporation and in vitro incubation in the same series of colorectal carcinomas. No correlation was found between AgNOR values and BrdUrd or 3[H]dT LIs. BrdUrd and 3[H]dT LIs were instead reciprocally significantly correlated. No evident correlation was seen between LIs or AgNOR values and clinico-pathological parameters of the tumour. In conclusion, in colorectal neoplasms, AgNOR values did not appear to relate with more direct parameters of cell proliferation. It follows that AgNOR reliability as a biomarker of cell proliferation remains questionable.
Highlights
Because some concern still exists regarding accuracy and reproducibility of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) quantifying methods, we carried out a control study by independently repeating the same measurements in two centres with different operators and computer-assisted image analysers on 40 colorectal carcinomas
Our results indicate that AgNORs d o not correlate with either 3[H]dTor BrdUrd Lls, suggesting that the evaluation of AgNORs cannot be a reliable estimatc of proliferative activity in colorectal cancers
The aim of this study was to establish whether AgNOR values could relate with parameters of cell proliferation like BrdUrd and "[H]dT labelling indices (LIs) in colorectal carcinoma
Summary
Because some concern still exists regarding accuracy and reproducibility of AgNOR quantifying methods, we carried out a control study by independently repeating the same measurements (number, area and area per silver-stained NOR particle) in two centres with different operators and computer-assisted image analysers on 40 colorectal carcinomas. In the present study we compared mean AgNOR values (number, area and arca per silverstained NOR particle) per nucleus of 40 colorectal canccrs with two established parameters of cell proliferation, namely >[HJdTand BrdUrd labelling indices (Lls).To ensure the reliability and reproducibility of AgNOR evaluation we carried o u t a control study by indcpcndcntly repeating the same measurements (number, area and area per silver-stained NOR particle) in two centres with different operators and different computer-assisted image analysers. Our results indicate that AgNORs d o not correlate with either 3[H]dTor BrdUrd Lls, suggesting that the evaluation of AgNORs cannot be a reliable estimatc of proliferative activity in colorectal cancers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
