Evaluation of β-catenin Expression by Immunohistochemistry in Colorectal Adenoma and Carcinoma and its Correlation with Pathological Prognostic Factors.

Background & Objective: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Identifying molecular markers for predicting CRC outcomes is crucial. β-Catenin plays a key role in the Wnt signaling pathway and acts as an essential membrane protein linked with E-cadherin, vital for cell-cell adhesion and sustaining cell polarity. This study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of β-catenin in colorectal adenoma and CRC, and its relationship with pathological prognostic indicators. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 55 adenoma and 45 CRC cases. Tumor morphology was examined using light microscopy. Chromogenic immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique was used to evaluate β-catenin expression. Results: Among 55 adenoma and 45 CRC cases, a significant link was found between β-catenin expression and tumor categorization. Malignant tumors exhibited higher nuclear β-catenin levels. Reduced membrane β-catenin expression was associated with deeper tumor invasion. A notable association was observed between nuclear β-catenin patterns and lymph node involvement, with higher nuclear levels indicating an increased likelihood of lymph node metastasis. Additionally, the study highlighted the relationship between β-catenin expression and TNM staging: early-stage disease showed higher membrane-bound β-catenin, while advanced stages had increased nuclear β-catenin. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a shift in β-catenin expression from the membrane in normal tissues to the nucleus in adenomas and CRCs. This progression underscores β-catenin's role in evaluating colorectal cancer malignancy risk, supporting early intervention. The gradational increase in nuclear β-catenin showed an association with advancing cancer stages, establishing it as a potential prognostic marker.