The Role of Biomarkers Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VACM-1), Septin-9, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in Distinguishing between Benign and Malignant Male Colon Tumors

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of VACM-1, Septin-9, HIF-1, and CRP as potential biomarkers in distinguishing malignant from benign colon tumors in male individuals.

Study Design: Meta-analysis study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Colonoscopy Units in Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital, Aljumhuriy Hospital, Mosul General Hospital, Al-Salam Hospital, and Research Hospitals at Mosul University, as well as from the private clinic of Dr. Abdullah Zuhair Al-Yuzbaki in Mosul City from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024.

Methods: A total of 45 patients who underwent colonoscopies were enrolled. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 78 years. Venous samples were collected from each patient before colonoscopy and analyzed for complete blood counts, and tumor markers using ELISA. Samples were classified into benign and malignant tumors, and healthy patients were controls. Tumor markers in the analysis included VCAM-1, Septin-9, HIF-1α, and CRP.

Result: Compared to biopsy groups (before colostomy) results, the lower values observed in the adenoma group suggest a relative stability in the tumor state. Males demonstrated a more pronounced pattern of anemia and immune dysfunction, especially during the initial phases of colon cancer. Statistically significant alterations were observed in blood parameters and tumor markers among male adenoma patients. The variations in immune ratios, including L/M and P/L, underscore the differences in overall immune and inflammatory responses among males at various stages of the disease. VCAM-1, Septin-9, HIF-1⍺, and CRP also recorded a significant difference in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors and between adenoma and control groups. VCAM-1, Septin-9, and HIF-1⍺ measures exhibited good effectiveness in identifying various three stages of colon cancer, compared to the adenoma and control groups. This may indicate the effectiveness of alterations in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, septin-9, and HIF-1α demonstrate high clinical value as biomarkers in tracking the progression and metastasis of colon cancer. Their effectiveness in diagnostically distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors enhances their feasibility as potential clinical evaluation and therapeutic monitoring targets.