Presence and Interactions of Entamoeba histolytica Lectin and p53 Protein in Colorectal Cancer

Leila  Haghighi; Abdolhossein  Dalimi; Majid  Pirestani; Fatemeh  Ghaffarifar

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19031

Leila Haghighi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abdolhossein Dalimi Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Majid Pirestani Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Fatemeh Ghaffarifar Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19031

Keywords: Entamoeba histolytica; p53 protein; Immunohistochemistry (IHC); Western blotting

Abstract

Background: We aimed to analyze the presence of Entamoeba histolytica lectin light chain antigen and p53 protein in colorectal cancer biopsies to uncover potential antigenic interactions between them.

Methods: Overall, 150 colorectal cancer biopsy samples were subjected to examination for the specific E. histolytica antigen and p53 protein through the application of the immunohistochemical technique. To augment diagnostic precision, the western blotting method was employed and its results were compared with those obtained from immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: Among the 150 colorectal cancer biopsy samples examined, 100 cases tested positive for the p53 protein, while 19 cases exhibited positivity for the E. histolytica light chain lectin antigen. Notably, only 14 cases demonstrated a positive presence for both the p53 protein and the E. histolytica protozoan.

Conclusion: Entamoeba histolytica, a leading cause of parasitic infections, raises questions about its potential link to colorectal cancer, specifically in connection with the p53 protein. The findings presented in this investigation signal the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of E. histolytica in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.