Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Using a Protease-Specific Probe for the Detection of Colon Tumors
Open Access
- 30 December 2010
- journal article
- Published by The Editorial Office of Gut and Liver in Gut and Liver
- Vol. 4 (4), 488-497
- https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl.2010.4.4.488
Abstract
Early tumor detection is crucial for the prevention of colon cancer. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using a target-activatable probe may permit earlier disease detection. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in tumorigenesis and tumor growth. The aim of this study was to determine whether NIRF imaging using an MMP-activatable probe can detect colon tumors at early stages. WE UTILIZED TWO MURINE COLON CANCER MODELS: a sporadic colon cancer model induced by azoxymethane (AOM), and a colitis-associated cancer model induced by a combination of AOM and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colonic lesions were analyzed by histologic examination, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and NIRF imaging using an MMP-activatable probe. Multiple variable-sized tumors developed in both models and progressed from adenomas to adenocarcinomas over time. At the early stage of the AOM/DSS model, diffuse inflammation was observed within the tumors. MMP expression increased progressively through normal, inflammation, adenoma, and adenocarcionoma stages. NIRF signal intensities were strongly correlated with each tumor stage from adenoma to adenocarcinoma. NIRF imaging also distinguished tumors from inflamed mucosa. NIRF imaging using a protease-activatable probe may be a useful tool for early tumor detection. This approach could translate to improve the endoscopic detection of colon tumors, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Keywords
This publication has 39 references indexed in Scilit:
- Cancer Statistics, 2008CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2008
- The healing myocardium sequentially mobilizes two monocyte subsets with divergent and complementary functionsThe Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2007
- Up-regulation of gelatinases in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequenceEuropean Journal of Cancer, 2006
- Whole-body fluorescence lifetime imaging of a tumor-targeted near-infrared molecular probe in miceJournal of Biomedical Optics, 2005
- Strain differences in the susceptibility to azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate-induced colon carcinogenesis in miceCarcinogenesis: Integrative Cancer Research, 2005
- Endoscopic Appearance of Dysplasia in Ulcerative Colitis and the Role of StainingEndoscopy, 2004
- Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors and Cancer—Trials and TribulationsScience, 2002
- Increased risk of large-bowel cancer in Crohn's disease with colonic involvementThe Lancet, 1990
- A Dominant Mutation That Predisposes to Multiple Intestinal Neoplasia in the MouseScience, 1990
- Genetic Alterations during Colorectal-Tumor DevelopmentThe New England Journal of Medicine, 1988