Expression of selected cytochrome P450 isoforms and of cooperating enzymes in colorectal tissues in selected pathological conditions.

The current interest in CYP expression in the colon results from its uniqueness as a target organ for cancer. To date, the CYP expression profiles in the colon have not yet been subject of comprehensive research. In this study, we investigated 40 patients with Crohn's disease, 40 with ulcerative colitis, and 40 healthy subjects as a control group. Colon tissues were fixed, dehydrated, cleared in xylene and embedded in paraffin. Sections were prepared from paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical staining with specific antibodies. We used antibodies to the human CYP1A1, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 isoforms, as well as antibodies to the human glycoprotein P, glutathione-S transferase and antibody to the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. The sections were stained immunohistochemically and examined using light microscopy. Cellular localization was determined, and computer image analysis was used. In all cases with Crohn's disease, the proteins studied showed at least a twofold expression. Ulcerative colitis showed a much weaker influence regarding the expression of the proteins studied but in case of CYP2C9 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a decrease of expression was observed.

Immunohistochemical localization of selected pro-inflammatory factors in uterine myomas and myometrium in women of various ages.

Uterine myomas represent one of the most frequently manifested benign tumors in women. They originate from smooth muscle cells of myometrium or its blood vessels. Many studies suggest that inflammation and pro-inflammatory factors may play a role in the carcinogenesis with an involvement of the transcription factor NF-kappaB which activity can be controlled by various environmental factors, including many cytokines. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of NF-B, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in myometrium and uterine myomas of women of various age. The expression of NF-kappaB, selected cytokines and enzymes was estimated in women of reproductive or perimenopausal age by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. The expression of the examined proteins was higher in myomas than in control myometrium and was dependent on the size of myomas and the age of women. However, the expression of the cytoplasmic NF-kappaB observed in uterine myomas was independent on the size of myomas and no significant differences were observed in the number of stained nuclei between control and myoma groups. Thus, the expression of proinflammatory factors in myomas was not accompanied by the nuclear activation of NF-kappaB p65. The results of our study indicate that the examined factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of benign tumors and not only malignant diseases.