Immunohistochemical analysis of Bax and AIF in colorectal tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIMS This study had three aims. The first was to determine whether Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) and AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) are expressed in tissue sections of colorectal tumors. The second was to ascertain whether there is any difference in Bax and AIF expression between colorectal polyps, adenomas, and carcinomas. The third aim was to determine whether there is any difference between Bax and AIF expression in colorectal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bax and AIF expression were determined in 20 hyperplastic polyps (HPs), 20 adenomatous polyps (APs), 20 samples of colorectal carcinomas, and 20 samples of normal mucosa by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS The staining level of Bax and AIF in adenomas and carcinomas was significantly higher than in normal tissues (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference between HPs and APs (P<0.01). The level of Bax and AIF in carcinomas was higher than in adenomas, and the difference was of statistical significance (P<0.01). CONCLUSION This study may be of interest in future research to confirm whether the changed expression of Bax and/or AIF between benign and malignant tumors can provide valuable information for the evaluation of colon or other tumors.