Correlation between Serum Levels of Cyclooxygenase II and Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase 1 in Iraqi Colorectal Cancer Patients and Healthy Controls

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most widespread cancers worldwide, exhibiting considerable mortality rates. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in driving tumor development. Cyclooxygenase-II is an inducible enzyme that aids in the production of prostaglandins using arachidonic acid, particularly during inflammatory responses. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, functioning downstream of COX-2, specifically converts PGH2 to PGE2, and correlates with unfavorable outcomes in CRC. While their roles have been well documented in tissue, limited research has assessed their levels in serum. The present study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in CRC patients compared to healthy controls, and to investigate the correlation between these biomarkers across all participants, regardless of clinical grouping. A total of 70 patients, 35 newly diagnosed and 35 undergoing treatments were included, along with 30 healthy individuals as controls. Blood samples were collected from healthy individuals and Iraqi CRC patients. Serum concentrations of COX-2 and mPGES-1 were measured using ELISA. Marked variations in the levels of these enzymes were noted among the examined groups, with newly diagnosed patients showing the highest levels compared to treated patients and healthy control. A robust positive correlation was observed between levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in all groups. These outcomes suggest that serum levels of Cyclooxygenase II and Microsomal Prostaglandin E synthase 1 could serve as prospective diagnostic indicators for CRC patients.