Expression of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Calcitonin Receptor-like Receptor in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Colorectal cancer is one of the most widespread types of cancer that still causes many deaths worldwide. The development of new diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as new therapeutic methods, is necessary. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neuropeptide alongside its receptor calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) could represent future biomarkers and a potential therapeutic target. Increased levels of CGRP have been demonstrated in thyroid, prostate, lung, and breast cancers and may also have a role in colorectal cancer. At the tumor level, it acts through different mechanisms, such as the angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation of tumor cells. The aim of this study was to measure the level of CGRP in colorectal cancer patients’ serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and determine the level of CGRP and CRLR at the tumor level after histopathological (HP) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, and then to correlate them with the TNM stage and with different tumoral characteristics. A total of 54 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal adenocarcinoma were evaluated. We showed that serum levels of CGRP, as well as CGRP and CRLR tumor level expression, correlate with the TNM stage, with local tumor extension, the presence of lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis, and also with the tumor differentiation degree. CGRP is present in colorectal cancer from the incipient TNM stage, with levels increasing with the stage, and can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker and may also represent a potentially new therapeutic target

Ductus Venosus Agenesis and Portal System Anomalies—Association and Outcome

To evaluate the prenatal diagnosis of agenesis of ductus venosus (ADV) and portal venous system (PVS) anomalies and describe the outcome of these cases, either isolated or associated. We evaluated the intrahepatic vascular system regarding the presence of normal umbilical drainage and PVS characteristics in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The associated anomalies and umbilical venous drainage were noted. Follow-up was performed at six months follow-up. Ultrasonography was performed in 3517 cases. A total of 19 cases were prenatally diagnosed: 18 ADV cases, seven abnormal PVS cases, and six associations of the two anomalies. We noted an incidence of 5.1‰ and 1.9‰ for ADV and PVS anomalies, respectively. Out of the 18 ADV cases, 27.7% were isolated. Five cases (26.3%) presented genetic anomalies. PVS anomalies were found in 33.3% of the ADV cases. ADV was present in 85.7% of the PVS anomalies. DV and PVS abnormalities were found with a higher than reported frequency. Normal DV is involved in the normal development of the PVS. Additional fetal anomalies are the best predictor for the outcome of ADV cases. Evaluation of PVS represents a powerful predictor for ADV cases and addresses the long-term prognosis