TENASCIN-C TISSUE CONCENTRATION IN INFLAMMATORY AND NEOPLASTIC DISEASES OF THE COLON MUCOSA

Background: Tenascin-C is a gycoprotein of the extracellular matrix wi th predominantly antiadhesive qualities. In the colon mucosa tenascin- C has been found to be induced in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases by immunohistology. This study aimed at quantitating mucosal tenascin -C induction. Materials and Methods: Mucosal tenascin-C concentration was determined by Western bloting quantified by densitometry in fresh frozen specimens of the colon from patients with ulcerative colitis, f amilial polyposis, and colorectal carcinomas. Results: The tenascin-C concentration in normal mucosa was 2.6 mu g/mg protein (SD +/- 3.4 mu g/mg). Colorectal adenomas displayed art equal tissue concentration of 2.8 mu g/mg protein (SD +/- 2.0 mu g/mg). In ulcerative colitis stati stically significant elevated tissue content of 7.5 mu g/mg protein (S D +/- 4.7 mu g/mg) was found, Colorectal carcinomas had a tissue tenas cin-C level of 18.0 mu g/mg protein (SD +/- 14.6 mu g/mg), which was s ignificantly different from the other groups. Conclusions: Tenascin-C concentration is elevated in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of t he colorectal mucosa. The distinct increase in the tenascin-C content in colorectal carcinomas in contrast to normal levels in colorectal ad enomas reflects an association of tenascin-C induction with malignant disease.