HIF-1α gene/protein and oxidative stress in patients with colorectal cancer: A pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral risk factors such as may enhance the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). These include hypoxia and oxidative stress. We investigated serum pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) and HIF-1α Gene/protein levels in CRC patients over 3 months. MethodFifty newly diagnosed cases of CRC and 50 healthy individuals were recruited. Tumor sections and marginal healthy tissue, for use as control tissue, were obtained on the day of surgery and HIF-1α mRNA gene expression was determined using Real-Time PCR. Blood from each patient was collected to measure serum PAB using a colorimetric assay, and serum HIF-1α protein concentrations were measured using ELISA method in the patient group before, 24 h after surgery, at the time of discharge, one month, and three months after surgery. The control group samples were obtained on the day of a routine check-up. ResultsThe expression of the HIF-1α gene in the tumor tissue was 7.31 times greater than in healthy tissue margins (p < 0.001) and the level of expression was significantly higher in men than woman (p = 0.006). The mean serum of HIF-1α protein levels and PAB values in patients significantly decreased after surgery up until 3 months (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001; respectively), and were not significantly different between the two genders during follow up (p > 0.05). ConclusionHIF-1α gene expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue than normal marginal tissue and serum HIF-1α protein and PAB levels in patients with CRC were higher preoperatively than the control subjects, and decreased over the 3 months of follow-up.