Immunological Investigation of CD133 in Samples of Iraqi Colorectal Cancer Patients

Maryam A.  Nemat; Farooq I.  Mohammed; Shilan K.  Jabbar

doi:10.17605/cajmns.v6i3.2779

Maryam A. Nemat Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Kirkuk, Iraq
Farooq I. Mohammed Department of Criminal Evidence, College of Science, University of Kirkuk, Iraq
Shilan K. Jabbar Department of Biology, College of Education for Women, University of Kirkuk, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/cajmns.v6i3.2779

Keywords: CD133, Colorectal Cancer, Cancer Stem cells, IHC

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease that occurs when cells in the colon or rectum proliferate out of control. The biomarker CD133 has been found on the surface of CSCs in colorectal cancer. The overexpression of CD133 has been linked to a poor prognosis, decreased overall survival, and therapy resistance in colorectal cancer and a number of other tumor types. This study aimed to investigate the expression intensity of CD133 in colorectal cancer patients and evaluate the relationship between this marker and the clinic-pathological characteristics. Expression of CD133 was studied by using immunohistochemical test in paraffin blocks of colorectal cancer and normal tissues in patients who were referred to Kirkuk General Hospital, Azadi Teaching Hospital, and GIT & Hepatology Teaching Hospital. CD133 expression was detected in 32% of colorectal cancer cases, with varying intensities (25% strong, 50% moderate, 25% weak). Expression was predominantly observed in adenocarcinomas and in tumors located in the colon. CD133-positive cases were more frequent among males and older age groups. Associations were noted between CD133 expression and tumor grade, stage, and site. These findings suggest a potential link between CD133 and colorectal cancer progression. This study highlights the potential role of CD133 as a cancer stem cell marker in colorectal cancer. CD133 expression was associated with specific clinicopathological features, indicating its involvement in tumor progression and treatment resistance. The findings suggest that CD133 could serve as a prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target.

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