[Growth hormone receptor expression in human colorectal cancer and its implication].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of the expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) in the development and progression of human colorectal cancer (CRC).


METHODS
The expression levels of GHR and Ki-67 were detected by immunohistochemistry technique in CRC specimens and normal mucous tissue from 100 patients with CRC. The association between expression of GHR and clinicopathological factors was analyzed.


RESULTS
The expression of GHR was higher in the colorectal cancerous tissue compared to the normal mucous tissue (81% vs. 68%). The expression of GHR was significantly correlated with pathological staging (P=0.047), tumor differentiation (P=0.003) and tumor size (P=0.017). The expression of GHR was significantly associated with the expression of Ki-67 (P< 0.01) as well as tumor proliferation (P< 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The over-expression of GHR is shown in human colorectal cancer and it also plays an important role in the development of human colorectal cancer. The use of rhGH in clinic should be cautious.
Yang
Xiao-dong
XD
Research Institute of General Surgery, Nanjing General Hospital of PLA, Nanjing 210002, China. yangxd96@hotmail.com
Liu
Fu-kun
FK
Xu
Zhe
Z
Li
Jie-shou
JS
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin / Q000378:metabolism*
D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin