Research

Polymorphisms of the ICAM-1 exon 6 (E469K) are associated with differentiation of colorectal cancer

Qing-lei Wang¹ , Bing-hui Li² , Bin Liu¹ , Ya-bin Liu² , Yue-Ping Liu² , Sui-Bing Miao¹ , Yi Han¹ , Jin-Kun Wen¹ and Mei Han¹

¹  Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, No 361, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China

²  Department of Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research 2009, 28:139doi:10.1186/1756-9966-28-139

Published:	13 October 2009

Abstract

Background

Genetic factors are thought to play a role in development for colorectal carcinogenesis. ICAM-1 is a polymorphic gene, thus, the present study investigated the relationship between the polymorphisms of ICAM-1 and the susceptibility and phenotypical characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

The polymorphisms at ICAM-1 exon 4 (G241R) and exon 6 (E469K) were detected by PCR with sequence-specific primers. The relationship between specific genotypes of ICAM-1 and differentiation of CRC was evaluated by the histological grade.

Results

We showed only GG genotype of ICAM-1 individuals in either CRC or normal controls. The KK genotype of ICAM-1 K469E was found more frequently than in the controls (P < 0.05). Patients with well-differentiated CRC displayed the KK more frequently than those of poor differentiation (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that polymorphisms of G241R are rare in Chinese population and that KK genotype of ICAM-1 K469E is significantly associated with well differentiation of CRC.