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Immunoreactivity for p53 and c-erbB-2 proteins was studied in 31 schistosomal urinary bladder carcinomas and 21 cases of schistosomal cystitis with hyperplastic, metaplastic and/or dysplastic (premalignant) lesions. The results were compared with 30 carcinomas and 21 premalignant lesions of the urinary bladder without schistosomiasis. Abnormal nuclear p53 protein accumulation was found in 17/31 schistosomal and in 15/30 non-schistosomal carcinomas and in 8/21 schistosomal cystitis with premalignant lesions of which five showed hyperplasia. No case of non-schistosomal hyperplasia or squamous metaplasia examined showed p53-positivity. In non-schistosomal carcinomas p53 positivity was significantly associated with tumour grade (grade I-II vs grade III tumours: P = 0.021) and greater age (P = 0.004) while in schistosomal carcinomas no such associations were found. Cytoplasmic membrane-bound positivity for c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was found in comparable percentages in schistosomal and non-schistosomal bladder carcinomas (10%), and in both groups was co-expressed with p53. p53 gene alteration is an important event in the development of both schistosomal and non-schistosomal bladder carcinoma.

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Background: Lgr5 -(GPR49) a Wnt target gene-is one of the most important cancer stem cell markers that have been isolated in colorectal cancer (CRC). The potentiation of Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling is now believed to mediate the self-renewal and proliferation of Lgr5 stem cells. Aim: to evaluate the expression of Lgr5 and Beta-catenin in colorectal cancer and benign colorectal lesions. Methods: Representative sections from thirty benign lesions [22 colorectal adenomas, 8 ulcerative colitis (UC)], and 30 CRC cases were stained by immunohistochemical technique using anti-Lgr5 and anti-Beta-catenin. Results: High Lgr5 expression was found in 0%, 60%, and 70% of normal mucosa, benign lesions, and CRC, respectively. Higher grades of Beta-catenin expression compared to normal expression was found in benign lesions as 23.3% for grade II and 6.7% for grade III and in CRC as 73.3% for grade II and 20% for grade III. Significant statistical differences between control groups, benign and malignant lesions in both Lgr5 and Beta-catenin expression were found. Conclusion: Lgr5 is highly expressed in CRC. That may suggest a role in carcinogenesis based on the CSC hypothesis. Also, Beta-catenin is activated in most CRC.