Postoperative changes in high mobility group box 1 levels after colorectal cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential use of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a marker for the surgical course following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Patients with advanced CRC undergoing open colorectal surgery who did not develop postsurgical complications were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week and 3 weeks after surgery for the measurement of the white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and HMGB1. RESULTS: Data from 21 patients were analysed. HMGB1 levels changed significantly during the surgical course, increasing from a preoperative median of 6.8 ng/ml to 12.1 ng/ml at 1 day postoperatively, and then decreasing to 8.1 ng/ml at 1 week postoperatively and 4.0 ng/ml at 3 weeks postoperatively. These changes were similar to but were not completely correlated with the changes seen in the other markers. CONCLUSION: Serum HMGB1 may be a potential marker to monitor the surgical course in patients undergoing surgery for CRC, although further studies are warranted before it can be introduced into routine clinical practice.