[Interleukin 18 expression in colon cancer and adenoma].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of interleukin 18 in mucosa of colon cancer and adenoma.

METHODS

Expression of interleukin 18 was measured with immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

The expression rates of IL-18 in colon cancer, adenoma and relative normal mucosa were 78.8%, 100% and 100%, respectively (P > 0.05). In the case of colon cancer, the higher the cancer was differentiated, the higher the IL-18 expression level was observed (P < 0.05). In the case of colon adenoma, no significant relation was noted between the grade of dysplasia and the expression of IL-18 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In colon adenoma, all mucosae express IL-18. But in colon cancer, IL-18 expression is decreased or absent, and the lower the cancer is differentiated, the lower will be the level of IL-18 expression in epithelium.