Microscopic and molecular characteristics of aberrant crypt foci and early colon cancer in rat models / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the relationship between aberrant crypt foci(ACF) and colon cancer by observing the sequential development of ACF in cancer models of rats. Methods The colon cancer models in 60 Wistar rats were established by subcutaneously injection of dimethylhydrasine (DMH) once a week for 18 weeks. The rats were sacrificed and the colon tissues stained by methylene blue were observed with a stereomicroscope. Results There were two types of ACF, named cACF and dACF. The microscopic findings in dACF were similar with that in early colon cancer, while those in cACF were not. The expression of β-catenin in cACF and dACF were 4. 84% and 100% (P =0. 000) , respectively, and the expression of MMP-7 were 7. 87% and 81.82% (P =0. 000), respectively. There was no significant difference in expression of β-catenin and MMP-7 between dACF and colon cancer ( P ＞ 0. 05 ). Conclusion The microscopic and molecular changes in dACF is similar with that in colon cancer, and dACF may progress to cancer through Wnt pathway.