title: Detection of colorectal cancer by faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin.
abstract: Alpha 1-antitrypsin was measured in 5-day faecal collections from patients with colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps and a symptomatic control group. Collections were homogenized and lyophilized prior to measurement of alpha 1-antitrypsin by radial immuno-diffusion. Colorectal cancer dry weight concentrations were significantly higher than the symptomatic control results, with 57% having results greater than 95% normal values of this control group. There was no significant difference between adenomatous polyp dry weight concentrations and symptomatic control results. Wet weight concentrations were calculated from wet/dry ratios. Colorectal cancer wet weight concentrations were significantly higher than symptomatic control results with 48% having results greater than 95% normal values of this control group. Alpha 1-antitrypsin was also measured in non-lyophilized samples from an asymptomatic control group (n = 39). Colorectal cancer wet weight concentrations were significantly higher than asymptomatic control results, with 62% having results greater than 95% normal values of this control group. Faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin measurement deserves further assessment for use in detecting colorectal cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, East Birmingham Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Radley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neoptolemos
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Asquith
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007417:Intestinal Polyps / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006113:United Kingdom; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin