Methylglyoxal Levels in Human Colorectal Precancer and Cancer: Analysis of Tumor and Peritumor Tissue

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and its incidence is increasing; therefore, an understanding of its oncogenic mechanisms is critical for improving its treatment and management. Methylglyoxal (MGO) has a highly reactive aldehyde group and has been suggested to play a role in oncogenesis. However, no standardized data are currently available on MGO levels in colorectal precancerous and cancerous lesions. We collected 40 matched colorectal tumor and peritumor tissues from patients with low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and invasive cancer (IC). MGO levels increased between LGD, HGD, and IC tumor tissues (215.25 ± 39.69, 267.45 ± 100.61, and 587.36 ± 123.19 μg/g protein, respectively; p = 0.014). The MGO levels in peritumor tissue increased and were significantly higher than MGO levels in tumor tissue (197.99 ± 49.40, 738.09 ± 247.87, 933.41 ± 164.83 μg/g protein, respectively; p = 0.002). Tumor tissue MGO levels did not correlate with age, sex, underlying disease, or smoking status. These results suggest that MGO levels fluctuate in progression of CRC and warrants further research into its underlying mechanisms and function in tumor biology.