Collagenase-3 (MMP-13) expression by inflamed mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease.

Objective: To determine whether the expression of collagenase-3 (MMP-13) in biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel disease is correlated with histological inflammation parameters.

Material And Methods: Fifty-nine patients with inflammatory bowel disease were included in the study. The control group comprised 20 patients free of inflammatory disease and ten patients with acute diverticulitis.

CD44s expression in resectable colorectal carcinomas and surrounding mucosa.

Background: CD44s (standard isoform) is a cell adhesion molecule belonging to the family of the hyaluronan-binding proteins. The CD44 family has been found to be overexpressed in epithelial tumors, where they are generally in relationship with tumor growth and metastasic properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the membranous CD44s content in colorectal cancer and in healthy surrounding mucosa, its possible relationship with clinicopathological parameters, and its potential prognostic significance.