The data for each cytokine was analysed using a Mann-Whitney U test (two- tailed). RESULTS: Statistical analysis demonstrated a highly significant (p<0.01) increase in the number of cells producing TNF-a in colorectal cancer patients.
Analysis of the colon by region showed significantly less apoptosis occurred in the proximal colon compared with the distal or mid colon regions (p<0.001). There was also a strong trend (p-0.053) to indicate that the rate of apoptosis in the mid region was greater than in the distal region of the colon.
MMP-2, the membrane type metalloproteinases and their specific inhibitors were not significantly different. Conclusions: 'Net proteolytic' activity is potentially greater in the tumour samples which may be significant in the progression of colorectal cancer. 5.2 DIFFERENTIAL UPREGULATION OF MMP-9 IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS OF HEAD AND NECK BY EGFR LIGANDS.
The data also indicated a trend towards an increase in cells producing IFN-y, IL-12 and TGF-0 in cancer patients, and a decrease in cells producing IL-10, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.