Changes in CO2 concentration increase the invasive ability of colon cancer cells.

Background/aim: We studied the effects of CO(2) concentration changes on the invasive ability of colon cancer cells.

Materials And Methods: Colon cancer cell lines and human samples derived from a peritoneal metastasis were incubated in a hypercapnic environment, followed by incubation in 5% CO(2). The invasive ability of colon cancer cells incubated with CO(2) were analyzed using an invasion assay system.

Results: In comparison with the colon cancer cell lines incubated in 5% CO(2) only, the invasive ability of cells increased in all the colon cancer cell lines subjected to incubation in 20% CO(2) followed by incubation in 5% CO(2), with a concomitant increase in the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and MMP9. The invasive capability of peritoneal metastatic cells in the human-derived specimen also increased on CO(2) concentration changes.

Conclusion: CO(2) concentration changes enhanced the invasive capacity of colon cancer cells.