Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using a protease-specific probe for the detection of colon tumors

Soon Man Yoon, Seung Jae Myung, Byong Duk Ye, In Wha Kim, Nam Gon Lee, Yeon Mi Ryu, Kyeongsoon Park, Kwangmeyung Kim, Ick Chan Kwon, Young Soo Park, Chan Sik Park, Dae Hyuk Moon, Do Hoon Kim, Mi Young Do, Jeong Sik Byeon, Suk Kyun Yang, Jin Ho Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Aims: Early tumor detection is crucial for the prevention of colon cancer. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using a target-activatable probe may permit earlier disease detection. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in tumorigenesis and tumor growth. The aim of this study was to determine whether NIRF imaging using an MMP-activatable probe can detect colon tumors at early stages. Methods: We utilized two murine colon cancer models: a sporadic colon cancer model induced by azoxymethane (AOM), and a colitis-associated cancer model induced by a combination of AOM and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colonic lesions were analyzed by histologic examination, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and NIRF imaging using an MMP-activatable probe. Results: Multiple variable- sized tumors developed in both models and progressed from adenomas to adenocarcinomas over time. At the early stage of the AOM/DSS model, diffuse inflammation was observed within the tumors. MMP expression increased progressively through normal, inflammation, adenoma, and adenocarcionoma stages. NIRF signal intensities were strongly correlated with each tumor stage from adenoma to adenocarcinoma. NIRF imaging also distinguished tumors from inflamed mucosa. Conclusions: NIRF imaging using a protease-activatable probe may be a useful tool for early tumor detection. This approach could translate to improve the endoscopic detection of colon tumors, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)488-497
Number of pages10
JournalGut and Liver
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • Colon cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Matrix metalloproteinases
  • Near-infrared fluorescence

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