MUC1 and cathepsin D expression in early colorectal carcinoma showing V type pit pattern

The relation between MUC1, cathepsin D expression, and histologic features in early colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) with V type pit pattern was examined in 78 patients. We classified V type pit pattern into two grades (VA, VN) a nd we subclassified the VN type pit pattern into three subtypes (Grade A, B , and C according to the degree of appearance Of VN type pit pattern. At th e tumor surface, the status of desmoplastic reaction and pit disorder or de struction were subclassified histologically into three grades (-, +, ++). M UC1 and cathepsin D expression were examined immunohistochemically at a sup erficial level and at the deepest part of the tumor invasion. MUC1 expressi on showed a significant correlation with high grade carcinoma, desmoplastic reaction (+) levels in VA type pit pattern (P <0.05), and high grade carci noma, sm2 and sm3 lesions, desmoplastic reaction (+) and (++) levels, pit d isorder or destruction (+) and (++) levels in VN type pit pattern (P <0.05) . Cathepsin D expression had a significant correlation with m and sm1 lesio ns and desmoplastic reaction (-) levels in VN type pit pattern (P <0.05). I n VA type pit pattern, a significant correlation between cathepsin D expres sion and histologic findings was absent. The incidence of MUC1 expression i n VN(.)Grade B and C type pit pattern was significantly higher than that in VA and VN(.)Grade A type pit pattern (P <0.05). The incidence of cathepsin D expression in VA, VN(.)Grade A and B type pit pattern was significantly higher than that in VN(.)Grade C type pit pattern (P <0.05). MUC1 expressio n or (++) levels at the deepest part of a tumor was identical to that (+) o r (++) levels at the superficial part except for one case. Cathepsin D expr ession at the deepest part of a tumor differed from that at the superficial part. Desmoplastic reaction may be related to MUC1 and cathepsin D express ion; however, pit disorder or destruction may be related to only MUC1 expre ssion in V type pit pattern. MUC1 expression at the superficial part of a t umor may be related to expression at the deepest part; however, cathepsin D expression at the superficial part may not be related to expression at the deepest part in submucosal CRCs with V type lesions.