14 Original article doi: 10.12980/jclm.4.2016j5-216 ©2016 by the Journal of Coastal Life Medicine. All rights reserved. Histochemical alterations in colorectal carcinoma and adenoma in Egyptian patients Saber A Sakr 1* , Moshira M Abdel-Wahed 2 , Asmaa G Abdou 2 , Eman K El-Adely 1 1 Zoolgy Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Al Minufya, Egypt 2 Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Al Minufya, Egypt Journal of Coastal Life Medicine 2016; 4(1): 14-20 Journal of Coastal Life Medicine *Corresponding author: Saber A. Sakr, Zoolgy Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Al Minufya, Egypt. Tel: +20 10 0181 2099 E-mail: sabsak@yahoo.com 1. Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer worldwide. It represents the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity[1]. The epidemiology of CRC in developing countries differs from that of developed countries. Colorectal carcinoma in developing countries including Egypt is usually characterized by low incidence, young age of onest and left-sided location[2,3]. CRC was the 6th cancer in Egypt, representing 4% of the total cancers and 53% of gastrointestinal cancers. The median age was 53 years with male predominance. Colon cancers were more common than rectal cancers[4]. The high prevalence in young people can neither be explained on a hereditary basis nor can it be attributed to bilharziasis. Similarly, a study by Elbaz and Esmat[5] suggested that there was a strong relation between colon cancer and intestinal cancer in Egypt. There are several risk factors which involved in pathogenesis of CRC such as personal history of CRC[5] older age[3], schistomiasis[6], environmental factors (diet, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, smoking, physical activity and pesticides)[7]. Tumorigenesis appears as a multistep process not only in molecular terms but also in morphological alterations[8]. Among the observed changes in tumor cells are the histochemical alterations. These include changes in polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. These alterations can be so characteristic of a given tumor type and stage that they are used in cancer diagnosis and might also be related to the altered functional properties of cancer cells[9]. The present work studied the histochemical changes in DNA and carbohydrates in colorectal carcinoma in Egyptian patients. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Samples collection This study was carried out on 58 colorectal specimens from Egyptian patients retrieved from Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofiya University in the period between May 2007 and May 2011. The studied cases included 10 colorectal adenoma and 48 colorectal carcinoma. All studied adenoma cases were endoscopically resected mucosa or endoscopically resected polyps, however, all the studied carcinoma cases were surgically resected colectomy specimens. The study met the criteria of the Ethics Committee of the Institution. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the histochemical alterations in DNA and total carbohydrates, in colorectal cancer cells. Methods: This study was carried out on 48 colorectal carcinoma and 10 adenoma specimens. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was carried out for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis and to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of tumor. Histologic grade and pathologic stage was assessed according to TNM staging system. Staging was also assessed according to original Dukes’ staging system. DNA was demonstrated by Feulgen method and carbohydrates were demonstrated by periodic acid Schiff’s reaction. Results: Adenoma cases showed that the cells lining the glands of the polyp have more crowded, irregular and darker nuclei (hyperchromatic), anisonucleosis, abnormal mitotic figures with prominent nucleoli and variability in the size and shape of nuclei. Colorectal carcinoma cases showed a condensation and reduction in the size of a cell nucleus associated with hyperchromatosis, pyknotic nuclei, abnormal mitotic figures, anisonucleosis, irregular nuclear membrane and inequality in the size of the nuclei (Pleomorphosis). There was a statistical significant differences between adenoma and carcinoma regarding number of mitotic cells (P = 0.03) that was in favour of malignant group. Adenoma and colorectal carcinoma cases showed periodic acid Schiff’s reactivity with different degree. Conclusions: These histochemical alterations can be so characteristic of a given tumor type and stage that they are used in cancer diagnosis and might also be related to the altered functional properties of cancer cells. Article history: Received 30 Oct 2015 Received in revised form 13 Nov, 2nd revised form 17 Nov 2015 Accepted 15 Dec 2015 Available online 22 Dec 2015 Keywords: Colon cancer Histochemistry DNA Carbohyderates journal homepage: www.jclmm.com