Furthermore, any (1+/2+) COX-2 overexpression was more frequent in non-serrated adenomas (60% = 307/515) than in hyperplastic polyps (13% = 3/24, p < 0.0001) and serrated polyps (SSAs and mixed polyps) (25% = 3/12, p = 0.03).
We conclude that (1) the CRC and its margin contain large amounts of progastrin and show gene expression of gastrin, CCK(B)-R, and COX-2; (2) removal of the CRC markedly reduces the plasma concentrations of progastrin; (3) the Hp infection rate is higher in CRC, and this may contribute to colorectal cancerogenesis via enhancement of progastrin and gastrin release; and (4) plasma progastrin concentrations might serve as a biomarker of CRC.