Pattern of the CD133 and sonic hedgehog protein (SHH) components of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway expression and their correlation with ovarian and colorectal cancer parameters

Introduction. Malignancy of ovarian cancer (OC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) may be associated with cancer stem cell presence. The aim of this study is to identify carcinoma stem cells in OC and CRC and their link with the Hedgehog pathways. Material and methods. CD133 and SHH expression was analyzed based on the immunohistochemistry of the tissues of 78 OCs and 91 CRCs. Results. Positive correlation between CD133 and SHH immunopositivity in OC was not observed in CRC. CD133/SHH immunophenotype was associated with the serous type, high grade and FIGO stage of OC. CD133/SHH immunophenotype was associated with colon tumor. Conclusions. CD133/SHH immunophenotype leads to worse parameters of OC and indicates that these molecules are involved in OC progression. A CD133/SHH-positive colon tumor may reflect differences in CRC biology. The link of SHH expression with the CD133 molecule in OC and trends in CRC enable strategies based on the elimination of CD133- -positive cells by the inhibition of the SHH ligand of the Hedgehog signaling pathways.