Suppressor protein plasma levels and inflammatory indices in colorectal cancer patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial and age-related disease. Additionally, age, sex, and risk factors for developing CRC may include genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic characteristics and lifestyle habits. Simultaneous examination of gene mutations and their products is vital for determining patient prognosis and treatment. Therefore, we assessed APC, KRAS, and TP53 plasma levels; inflammatory indices; and KRAS mutations in CRC patients and evaluated their role in cancer progression. The study population consisted of colorectal cancer patients (40 patients: 16 women and 24 men). KRAS mutations were detected using real-time PCR; APC, KRAS, and TP53 protein levels were measured via ELISA. The results revealed that inflammatory indices (MLR, PLR, NLR) are increased in CRC patients, especially in those with advanced stages. TP53 protein levels were increased in patients with progressive cancer, whereas no significant difference was detected in the plasma levels of APC and KRAS. The G12V KRAS mutation was associated with a poor prognosis and high PLR values. Our findings reveal that inflammatory indices such as the MLR, PLR, and NLR are linked to TP53 and APC plasma levels and offer new insights into their role in the development and progression of CRC.