Altered arginine metabolism in colon cancer: A sign of increased proliferative potential of tumor-adjacent tissue

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent forms malignant tumors in human population. The literature data about role arginine metabolism CRC point out its double-faced role. In three tissue specimens 50 patients who underwent surgical resection for colon adenocarcinoma (tumor, adjacent and healthy tissues more than 10 cm from tumor border ? at incision margin) taken during surgery, polyamines concentration NO2+NO3 arginase activity were determined. Polyamine levels significantly increased compared to ones, while level was lower both tissues. high polyamine content colonic mucosa indicates a proliferative potential tumor-adjacent tissue. Although we found individual correlations indicating possible prognostic value arginase, performed statistical analysis did not show predictive significance examined five-year survival patients. Nevertheless, obtained results provide rationale further studies after surgery with CRC, which could be useful evaluation risk growth, recurrence, metastases intervention.