The Impact of Different Types of Physical Effort on the Expression of Selected Chemokine and Interleukin Receptor Genes in Peripheral Blood Cells.

This study aimed to assess the post-effort transcriptional changes of selected genes encoding receptors for chemokines and interleukins in young, physically active men to better understand the immunomodulatory effect of physical activity. The participants, aged 16-21 years, performed physical exercise tasks of either a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle-run test (beep test) or a repeated speed ability test. The expression of selected genes encoding receptors for chemokines and interleukins in nucleated peripheral blood cells was determined using RT-qPCR. Aerobic endurance activity was a positive stimulant that induced increased expression of CCR1 and CCR2 genes following lactate recovery, while the maximum expression of CCR5 was found immediately post-effort. The increase in the expression of inflammation-related genes encoding chemokine receptors triggered by aerobic effort strengthens the theory that physical effort induces sterile inflammation. Different profiles of studied chemokine receptor gene expression induced by short-term anaerobic effort suggest that not all types of physical effort activate the same immunological pathways. A significant increase in IL17RA gene expression after the beep test confirmed the hypothesis that cells expressing this receptor, including Th17 lymphocyte subsets, can be involved in the creation of an immune response after endurance efforts.

Endoscopic findings in the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with Crohn's disease are common, highly specific, and associated with chronic gastritis.

Crohn's disease (CD) may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract including its upper part. However, this aspect is poorly addressed in scientific literature and considered a rare finding. Here we aimed to prospectively investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical significance of upper gastrointestinal tract involvement in patients with CD, with particular focus on stomach bamboo joint-like appearance (BJA), Helicobacter pylori status and presence of microscopic changes. 375 prospectively recruited patients were included. In CD patients the prevalence of gastric and duodenal, but not esophageal, mucosal lesions, such as gastric mucosal inflammation, duodenal edema, ulcerations, and duodenal bulb deformation was significantly higher (at least p < 0.01 for all). Similar results were found when only H. pylori negative individuals were analyzed. Moreover, BJA of the stomach and in case of H. pylori negative patients also duodenal bulb deformation were detected exclusively in CD patients. Presence of BJA lesion was not significantly associated with neither duration of the disease nor use/history of biologic treatment. Despite absence of H. pylori infection microscopic features of chronic gastritis were found in almost all (93.5%) patients, and in 31% of controls (p < 0.00001). Our analysis outlines that upper gastrointestinal tract involvement in CD is a very common event and frequently manifests with a highly specific BJA lesion. Furthermore, our study reveals that in almost all CD patients features of H. pylori negative gastritis are present.

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors in a colon cancer screening colonoscopy program. Sixteen-year single institution experience.

OBJECTIVES: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (rNETs) are potentially malignant lesions. In our study, we aimed to retrospectively check whether the rectal neuroendocrine tumors were found in colonoscopy examinations carried out as a part of Polish colonoscopy screening program (PCSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the colonoscopy and histopathological database of examinations conducted as a part of PCSP in our institution in the years 2005-2021. We also checked the method by which the tumor was removed, its characteristics based on photo documentations and followed up the patients. RESULTS: The 10568 colonoscopy examinations were performed in PCSP in the years 2005-2021. Seven patients with a mean age of 53 with rNETs (1 in every 1510 colonoscopy) were detected. The polyp mean size was 5 mm. All the lesions were well differentiated tumors. First half of the colonoscopy examinations was performed in the years 2005-2012 and in that time three rNETs were detected, four rNETs were detected in the years 2012-2021. Even despite their typical appearance the neuroendocrine origin was not suspected in majority of cases and all tumors, except one, were removed with improper method. One of the patients underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery of the scar. All patients are disease free in median follow-up of 108 months. CONCLUSION: Rectal NETs are detected in the screening colonoscopy program. In majority of cases, they are not suspected by endoscopists on colonoscopy, but diagnosed after removal in histopathological examinations. There is a need of education of endoscopists in recognition and methods of treatment of rNETs.

Immunohistochemical expression of PARP-1 in triple-negative endometrial cancer - a comparison of different score systems.

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of the female reproductive system. The number of diagnosed cases is increasing every year. In recent years, the triple-negative phenomenon (TNP) has been identified as one of the determinants of shorter survival in endometrial cancer patients. The aim of the study was to compare the PARP-1 protein expression in triple-negative (TNEC) and non-triple-negative (NTNEC) endometrial cancer patients and determine the relationship between the PARP-1 protein expression in endometrial cancer cells and patient's overall survival depending on the adopted scale (H-SCORE < 75, H-SCORE < 50, Allred scale). The study involved 265 patients with histopathologically confirmed endometrial cancer. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with TNEC and patients with NTNEC. The study was conducted using a tissue microarray technique. Expression of PARP-1 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression evaluation was performed using virtual microscopy and the Image Scope computer image analysis system. The following conclusions were reached: total and individual levels of nuclear or cytoplasmic PARP-1 expression varied with the presence or absence of TNP, and PARP-1 nuclear expression at the 2+ level had a significant effect on the increased risk of death (according to H-SCORE < 75).

The gastric microbiota in patients with Crohn's disease; a preliminary study.

The gastric microbiota in Crohn's disease (CD) has not been studied. The purpose of the study was to evaluate differences of stomach microbiota between CD patients and controls. DNA was extracted from gastric mucosal and fluid samples, from 24 CD patients and 19 controls. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 1511 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), of which 239 passed the low abundance and low variance filters. All but one CD patients were HP negative. Fifteen bacterial phyla were identified in at least one mucosal or fluid site. Of these, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes accounted for 70% of all phyla. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Fusobacteriota combined accounted for 27%. There was significant difference in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and Campilobacterota between CD patients and controls only in gastric corpus samples. In gastric liquid, there was a significant difference only in Actinobacteriota. Pairwise comparison identified 67 differentially abundant OTUs in at least one site. Of these, 13 were present in more than one comparison, and four differentiating OTUs (Neisseriaceae, Neisseria, Absconditabacteriales, and Microbacteriaceae) were identified at all tested sites. The results reveal significant changes in gastric microbial profiles (beta diversity, phylum, and individual taxa levels) between H. pylori-negative CD patients and controls.

Molecular classification of glioblastoma based on immunohistochemical expression of EGFR, PDGFRA, NF1, IDH1, p53 and PTEN proteins.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system. Current GBM treatments have low effectiveness. This is mainly due to the high degree of heterogeneity of GBM tumors. Despite similarities in the classic microscopic image, these tumors differ significantly in molecular terms. The aim of the study was to classify GBM tumors into one of four molecular types based on the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR, PDGFRA, NF1, IDH1, p53 and PTEN proteins and find the association between individual glioma molecular types and prognostic clinical and morphological parameters. From the group of 162 patients the classical molecular type of tumor was observed in 17 (10%) patients, in 23 (14%) the tumor was mesenchymal, in 32 (20%) proneural, and in 90 (56%) neural. No significant relationship was observed between the molecular type of GBM tumors and the studied clinical and morphological parameters of prognostic significance. There were also no statistically significant correlations between the GBM tumor molecular type and survival, both in terms of overall survival and relapse-free survival. Analyzing the impact of all prognostic variables and molecular type of GBM on the probability of overall survival, statistically significant relationships were found.

Triple negative phenomenon in endometrial cancer: recognition criteria and impact on survival.

OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant cancer of female reproductive organs. The number of diagnosed cases of endometrial cancer is increasing from year to year. Endometrial cancer is a neoplasm with a good survival rate. However, there are also cases with a fast, aggressive course. In recent years, the triple negative phenomenon (TNP) has been identified as one of the factors determining shorter survival in patients with endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered 265 patients with histopathologically confirmed endometrial cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) patients with endometrial cancer with TNP; 2) patients with endometrial cancer without TNP. Tissue microarrays (TMA) were examined with immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. In several cases FISH method was used to assess HER2. The expression was evaluated by computer image analysis using the Nuclear Image Analysis virtual microscopy system. The evaluation of HER2 expression was performed manually. The criterion for TNC diagnosis was H-Score < 50 or < 75 and Allred score < 4. RESULTS: Depending on the scoring system used, TNP was found in from 10.19% to 15.09% of cases. Regardless of the criteria employed in endometrial cancer, the presence of TNP was neither a factor increasing the risk of death nor it affected the patients' survival. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of TNP diagnosed in endometrial cancer depends on the examined population and the diagnostic criteria. The incidence of TNP did not affect the survival of patients.

Endoscopic treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors in a 13-year retrospective single-center study: are we following the guidelines?

INTRODUCTION: Rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (rNENs) are potentially metastatic lesions. False endoscopic diagnosis and subsequent treatment may lead to nonradical resection and metastases. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of rNENs, investigate whether the lesion origin was suspected by endoscopists during examination and if those lesions were subsequently removed using the appropriate method, and assess the outcomes of patients after curative and noncurative resections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of patients hospitalized in our department (2006-2019) with a diagnosis of rNENs. We included 40 patients with rNENs, evaluated their clinical characteristics, and investigated whether the neuroendocrine origin of the lesions was suspected on endoscopy. We compared the outcomes of patients treated with the proper method (endoscopic submucosal dissection / endoscopic mucosal resection [ESD / EMR]) and those treated with polypectomy. RESULTS: Abnormalities appeared as typical, yellowish subepithelial lesions (n = 24), lesions resembling hyperplastic polyps (n = 12), or tumors with central depression (n = 4). The median size was 5.5 mm and most of them were G1 lesions (n = 36). Only 14 of them were suspected to be of neuroendocrine origin at the first endoscopic examination, and 12 were removed by ESD / EMR. The remaining tumors (n = 26) were removed using polypectomy. Most of the patients were disease­free at follow­up, but 2 patients after polypectomy and a single patient after nonradical ESD developed metastases. CONCLUSION: In most cases, the origin of the lesion was not suspected on colonoscopy and subsequently the tumor was removed using an inappropriate method. Endoscopists do not follow the guidelines when dealing with patients with rNENs and more emphasis should be placed on education on the management of rNENs.

Nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression patterns in pulmonary adenocarcinoma invading the pleura and in pleural malignant mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in adenocarcinoma of the lung is considered a poor prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PA) with VPI and in pleural malignant mesothelioma. METHODS: The study was conducted on the basis of 19 pathologically-confirmed cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung and 29 cases of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma. The nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression was assessed immunohistochemically and analyzed with image analysis software. RESULTS: Nucleolin expression was lower while nucleophosmin was higher in pleural invasion of pulmonary adenocarcinoma than in the central part of the tumor. Differences in subpopulations of cells with different expression of proteins studied were also found. Malignant mesothelioma showed lower nucleolin expression than adenocarcinoma of the lung but no differences in nucleophosmin expression were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested that lower nucleolin and higher nucleophosmin expression may be related to higher invasiveness of adenocarcinoma of the lung. Differences in nucleolin expression between pulmonary adenocarcinoma and malignant mesothelioma indicate another aspect of biology of these pleura-invading cancers that requires further study. KEY POINTS: SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: Differences in nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression in pleura invading pulmonary adenocarcinoma indicate the involvement of these proteins in its locoregional spread while differences in nucleolin expression between pulmonary adenocarcinoma and malignant mesothelioma suggest another aspect of biology of these cancers. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This is the first study on nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression in pleural malignant mesothelioma and pleura-invading pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Our findings may assist in understanding the mechanisms of locoregional spread of adenocarcinoma and differences between these two pleura-invading cancers.

Reprogramming and transdifferentiation - two key processes for regenerative medicine.

Regenerative medicine based on transplants obtained from donors or foetal and new-born mesenchymal stem cells, encounter important obstacles such as limited availability of organs, ethical issues and immune rejection. The growing demand for therapeutic methods for patients being treated after serious accidents, severe organ dysfunction and an increasing number of cancer surgeries, exceeds the possibilities of the therapies that are currently available. Reprogramming and transdifferentiation provide powerful bioengineering tools. Both procedures are based on the somatic differentiated cells, which are easily and unlimitedly available, like for example: fibroblasts. During the reprogramming procedure mature cells are converted into pluripotent cells - which are capable to differentiate into almost any kind of desired cells. Transdifferentiation directly converts differentiated cells of one type into another differentiated cells type. Both procedures allow to obtained patient's dedicated cells for therapeutic purpose in regenerative medicine. In combination with biomaterials, it is possible to obtain even whole anatomical structures. Those patient's dedicated structures may serve for them upon serious accidents with massive tissue damage but also upon cancer surgeries as a replacement of damaged organ. Detailed information about reprogramming and transdifferentiation procedures as well as the current state of the art are presented in our review.

Nucleolin and Nucleophosmin Expression in Gleason 3 and Gleason 4 Prostate Cancer With Seminal Vesicles Invasion (pT3b).

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of nucleolin (NCL) and nucleophosmin (NPM) in prostate adenocarcinoma and in its loco-regional spread in the form of seminal vesicle invasion (SVI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on tissue microarrays of 40 cases of Gleason 3+4 pT3b prostate cancers including tissue samples from SVI. The expression of NCL and NPM was detected immunohistochemically and analyzed with image analysis software. RESULTS: The expression of NCL and NPM were higher in cancer cells within a prostate gland than in SVI. Gleason 4 pattern showed higher expression of NPM than Gleason 3 pattern cells. CONCLUSION: Differences in nuclear NCL and NPM expression in cancer cells between the prostate gland and SVI may indicate involvement of these proteins in loco-regional spread of adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Differences in NPM expression in Gleason 3 and Gleason 4 pattern suggest involvement of this protein in the differentiation of prostate cancer.

Aspirin and its pleiotropic application.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), the oldest synthetic drug, was originally used as an anti-inflammatory medication. Being an irreversible inhibitor of COX (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) enzymes that produce precursors for prostaglandins and thromboxanes, it has gradually found several other applications. Sometimes these applications are unrelated to its original purpose for example its use as an anticoagulant. Applications such as these have opened opportunities for new treatments. In this case, it has been tested in patients with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of myocardial infarct. Its function as an anticoagulant has also been explored in the prophylaxis and treatment of pre-eclampsia, where due to its anti-inflammatory properties, aspirin intake may be used to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It is important to always consider both the risks and benefits of aspirin's application. This is especially important for proposed use in the prevention and treatment of neurologic ailments like Alzheimer's disease, or in the prophylaxis of myocardial infarct. In such cases, the decision if aspirin should be applied, and at what dose may be guided by specific molecular markers. In this revived paper, the pleiotropic application of aspirin is summarized.

Nucleolin and nucleophosmin expression in seminomas and non-seminomatous testicular tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular tumors are heterogeneous group of neoplasms divided mainly into two types: seminomas and non-seminomas. Nucleolin (NCL) and nucleophosmin (NPM) are abundant nucleolar proteins involved in many physiologic and pathologic processes including cancer. Their overexpression was found in many tumors but it was not studied in testicular cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on tissue microarrays of 19 seminomas, 21 embryonal carcinomas and 11 yolk sac tumors. The expression of NCL and NPM was detected with monoclonal antibodies and visualized with EnVision FLEX/HRP technique. Immunohistochemical reactions were measured with Aperio ImageScope Software and analyzed as means of percentages of all immunopositive cells in three groups of reaction intensity, i.e. 3+, 2+, and 1+ as well as of H-score. RESULTS: Seminomas showed higher expression of nucleolin indicated by higher H-score and higher percentage of positive cells than non-seminomas. The differences in subpopulations of NCL-positive cells were also found. Embryonal carcinomas and yolk sac tumors showed lower expression of NCL than seminomas indicated by H-score. The percentage of NCL-positive cells did not differ between embryonal carcinomas and seminomas while there were significant differences in subpopulations of cells. The percentage of NCL-positive cells in yolk sac tumors was lower than in seminomas. The results show different heterogeneity of subpopulations of NCL-positive cells in embryonal carcinomas and yolk sac tumors compared to seminomas. The analysis of nucleolin expression in embryonal carcinomas and yolk sac tumors showed no differences between these two tumor types. No differences in nucleophosmin expression between seminomas and non-seminomas were found. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in the expression of nucleolin between two groups of germ cell testicular tumors found in the current study indicate a new aspect of biology of these neoplasms and require further studies on the role of nucleolin in germ cell tumorigenesis.

Clinical efficacy of p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cervical cytology in secondary prevention of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignant neoplasm in women worldwide. HPV infection is the necessary factor for the cancer to develop. HPV DNA can be integrated into the genome of squamous epithelium and cause transcription of the viral oncoproteins and development of invasive cancer within 15-20 years. We assessed ICC co-expression of p16/Ki-67 proteins in smears collected from the uterine cervix and the association between p16/Ki-67 co-expression and cytologic and histologic results. Samples were collected from 93 women using liquid based cytology (LBC). Two microscopic slides were prepared: for Papanicolaou staining and ICC staining. Biopsy samples were collected from 43 women. Diagnosis of CIN 2+ was the endpoint of the study. p16/Ki-67 positive cells were found in women with: 1) a cytology result of ASC-US (3.59%), LSIL (2.22%), ASC-H (21.92%), HSIL (33.18%), SCC (72.22%) or NILM (3.44%); 2) a histopathologic result of CIN 1 (2.13%), CIN 2 (19.93%), CIN 3 (23.22%), SCC (69.72%) or normal histology (7.58%). p16/Ki-67 dual staining can increase the efficiency of screening methods and indicate women in whom further diagnostic procedures are required or those with extremely low risk of cancer. Sparing protocols will have a significant role in women of reproductive age.

Triple negative endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in the developed countries. In Poland, EC incidence increased from 3.496 to 5.251 between 2000 and 2011, with 5.251 new cases were diagnosed in 2011 alone, and this upward trend is expected to continue. There are two types of endometrial cancer: estrogen- related type I (approximately 80% of the cases) and unrelated to estrogen type II. Type I includes adenocarcinomas which grow slowly, have better prognosis, superficially infiltrate the myometrium, originate from endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, and occur before and after menopause. The most common type I mutations include PTEN, KRAS and microsatellite instability. Type II is represented by serous, mucinous, clear-cell carcinomas, with aggressive behavior associated with poor prognosis, high risk of distant metastases at diagnosis, deeper infiltration of the uterine muscle, often to serosa, originating from the atrophic endometrium, and typically presenting after menopause. The most common type II mutations include TP53, HER-2 and P16.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and resection rates of papillary early gastric cancer removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The aim of this study was to assess the: 1) clinicopathologic features of papillary early gastric cancer (PEGC) (13 cases) compared to tubular early gastric cancer (TEGC) (41 cases); 2) efficiency of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in treatment of PEGC. From January 2007 to February 2016, a total of 54 consecutive patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) underwent ESD at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Pomeranian Medical University in Poland. The histologic type of carcinoma was assessed according to the WHO histological classification of GC. The extension of GC into the submucosa was measured using the Aperio Scan Scope image analysis system tools. PEGCs were diagnosed in 24.1% of the cases of EGC. PEGCs were significantly more elevated in macroscopic examination and better demarcated tumors than TEGC. There were no significant differences between gender, tumor location, ulceration, tumor size, depth of invasion (T), presence of intestinal metaplasia and lymphocytic infiltrate. Curative resection was achieved in 87.1% of patients with EGCs treated with ESD. The lower rate of curative resection (R0) observed in PEGC (76.9%) vs TEGC (90.2%) was not statistically significant. Further studies will be necessary to confirm the clinical and morphological presentation of PEGCs.

Impaired Hepatic Adaptation to Chronic Cholestasis induced by Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may involve impaired bile acid (BA) homeostasis. We analyzed expressions of factors mediating enterohepatic circulation of BA using ileal and colonic (ascending and sigmoid) biopsies obtained from patients with PSC with and without ulcerative colitis (UC) and explanted PSC livers. Two-fold increase of BA-activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein levels were seen in ascending and sigmoid colon of PSC patients with correspondingly decreased apical sodium-dependent BA transporter (ASBT) gene expression. This was associated with increased OSTß protein levels in each part of analyzed gut. An intestinal fibroblast growth factor (FGF19) protein expression was significantly enhanced in ascending colon. Despite increased hepatic nuclear receptors (FXR, CAR, SHP), and FGF19, neither CYP7A1 suppression nor CYP3A4 induction were observed. The lack of negative regulation of BA synthesis may be accountable for lower levels of cholesterol observed in PSC in comparison to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In conclusion, chronic cholestasis in PSC induces adaptive changes in expression of BA transporters and FXR in the intestine. However hepatic impairment of expected in chronic cholestasis downregulation of CYP7A1 and upregulation of CYP3A4 may promote BA-induced liver injury in PSC.

Histomorphologic features of early gastric carcinoma treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection: relation to efficiency of endoscopic resection.

OBJECTIVE: Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as cancer invasion confined to the mucosa or submucosa, irrespective of lymph node metastasis. Recently endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely accepted for the treatment for dysplasia and EGC without lymph node metastases. While the method has been advanced in Far East countries, ESD is still being developed in Europe and has not gained enough popularity although it has been recommended as the treatment of choice for superficial gastric neoplastic lesions by European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) in 2015. METHODS: The aim of the study was to perform a retrospective analysis of clinical and histomorphologic features of 58 cases of EGCs removed by ESD in a university hospital in Western Pomerania in Poland and to evaluate factors related to the efficiency of ESD resection. RESULTS: With univariate analysis, indications for ESD with the highest R0 rate were found in EGCs limited to mucosa (T1a, small mucosal, M), without muscularis mucosa invasion, localised in the middle/lower part of stomach and intestinal type in histological examination. The R0 complete resection rate was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower for T1b than that for T1a tumours (21.4% vs. 100%). Tumours with submucosal involvement were associated with lower efficiency of ESD procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that in EGCs with favourable histomorphologic characteristics, ESD seemed to be a totally efficient and safe method of treatment in a European small-volume centre. R0 resection rate reached 81.1% of cases and median time of the ESD procedure was 61.5 min.

Expression of Cancer Testis Antigens in Colorectal Cancer: New Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications.

Background. While cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are restricted in postnatal tissues to testes and germ line-derived cells, their role in cancer development and the clinical significance of their expression still remain to be better defined. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of CTA expression in colon samples from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in relation to patient clinical status. Methods. Forty-five patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer were included in the study. We selected a panel of 18 CTAs that were previously detected in CRC as well as some new gene candidates, and their expression was detected at the mRNA level by employing RQ-PCR. Additionally, we evaluated CTA expression in three colon cancer cell lines (CL-188, HTB-39, and HTB-37) after exposure to the DNA methylation-modifying drug 5-azacytidine. Results. We report that 6 out of 18 (33%) CTAs tested (MAGEA3, OIP5, TTK, PLU1, DKKL1, and FBXO39) were significantly (p < 0.05) overexpressed in tumor tissue compared with healthy colon samples isolated from the same patients. Conclusions. Moreover, we found that MAGEA3, PLU-1, and DKKL expression positively correlated with disease progression, evaluated according to the Dukes staging system. Finally, 5-azacytidine exposure significantly upregulated expression of CTAs on CRC cells, which indicates that this demethylation agent could be employed therapeutically to enhance the immune response against tumor cells.