Expression of CD47, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, and SOX4 Stem Cells in Different Colonic Lesions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/aimj.2025.446536

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have a higher likelihood of a favorable outcome when diagnosed early.
Aime: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CD47, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH), SOX 4 stem cells in cancerous and precancerous colonic lesions.
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients at Al-Azhar University and Theodor Bilharz Research Institute. Patients were categorized into three groups: normal colonic mucosa (n=20), precancerous lesions (n=40), and CRC (n=40). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for CD47, ALDH, and SOX4.  Results: The expression levels of CD47, ALDH, and SOX4 were significantly higher in CRC patients compared to normal and precancerous groups (P ≤ 0.001). Sox4 was positive in 72.5% of CRC cases compared to 27.5% in polyps, while ALDH and CD47 were highly expressed in CRC (82.5% and 70%, respectively).
Conclusion: The study reveals significant differences in pathological characteristics between normal, precancerous, and colorectal cancer groups. Elevated Sox4, ALDH, and CD47 expression in colorectal cancer patients suggests their potential as biomarkers for cancer progression and early detection, offering potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer management.

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