Colonic polyamine content and ornithine decarboxylase activity as markers for adenomas

Thomas J. McGarrity, Laurie P. Peiffer, Mary J. Bartholomew, Anthony E. Pegg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polyamine content (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) or ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was measured in normal‐appearing colonic mucosa from patients undergoing colonoscopy. Comparisons were made between those with and those without adenomatous polyps. Colonic mucosal polyamine content was measured in 44 persons. Mean putrescine content was 1.25 ± 0.26 (SE) nmol/mg protein in 22 patients with adenomatous polyps compared with 0.53 ± 0.12 nmol/mg protein in patients without polyps (P < 0.02). Tissue content of spermidine and spermine did not differ between these two groups. Ornithine decarboxylase activity was measured in tissue from 45 patients. Mean ODC activity was 2.84 ± 0.73 pmol/hr/mg protein in 23 persons with adenomatous polyps compared with 1.15 ± 0.18 pmol/hr/mg protein in persons without polyps (P < 0.05). Mucosal putrescine and ODC activity are elevated in patients with adenomatous polyps compared with patients without polyps. These biochemical markers may prove helpful in improving surveillance methods for colorectal cancer and premalignant adenomatous polyps.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1539-1543
Number of pages5
JournalCancer
Volume66
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 1990

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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