| Theme | Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cytokines : Pathophysiological Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Cytokines in Colorectal Cancer | |
| Publish Date | 2005/03 | |
| Author | Kentaro Yamashita | First Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University |
| Author | Hiroyuki Yamamoto | First Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University |
| Author | Yoshiaki Arimura | First Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University |
| Author | Takao Endo | First Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University |
| Author | Kohzoh Imai | First Department of Internal Medicine, Sapporo Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | Colorectal cancer and adenoma often exhibit augmented expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform of COX, the rate-limiting enzymes in the prostaglandin synthetic pathway. Matrilysin, one of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) that degrade the extracellular matrix, is also induced in a subset of colorectal cancers, particularly those with nodal or distant metastasis. The role of these enzymes in colorectal carcinogenesis and their significance as therapeutic targets is discussed in this review. | |