[Melatonin and circadian rhythm].

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to investigate the increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin -1β,  associated with colorectal cancer and Cryptosporidium spp.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were investigated at various stages. Fecal, blood, and tissue paraffin-block samples were collected from each patient. Furthermore, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemical staining were performed. Statistical tests were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-Square tests.

RESULTS

Cryptosporidium spp. infection was found in 47.06% of patients with colorectal cancer. Cryptosporidium spp. spread throughout colorectal cancer tissue from the epithelium to the serous layer. Endogenous stages of Cryptosporidium spp. were observed within the submucosa, including its presence in the vascular submucosal region. Statistical tests showed no association between Cryptosporidium spp. infection with IL-1β levels (p > 0.05) due to heterogeneous data.

CONCLUSION

This research strengthens the association between Cryptosporidium spp. infection and colorectal cancer, with new evidence regarding active, chronic, invasive, and potentially extraintestinal infection. However, there is a trend of increasing serum levels of IL-1β in colorectal cancer patients infected with Cryptosporidium spp. compared to those who are uninfected individuals. These results provide a basis for further investigation into alternative pathogenic mechanisms by which the parasite may contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis independently or with various inflammatory pathways.