대한대장항문학회

Purpose : Free radicals are defined as any species capable of independent existence that<br>contains one or more unpaired electrons and they have the effects on carcinogenesis and<br>tumor progression by causing mutations on genetic structure or suppressing repair of mu<br>tated DNA. This study was aimed to identify changes of antioxidant capacity in carcino<br>genesis and tumor progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods : We studied the level of<br>serum antioxidant capacity using ABTS technique for 34 CRC patients who were operated<br>between July 1997 and January 1998 at department of surgery, Taegu Catholic Medical Center<br>and compared with 38 persons who had normal value of liver function during the same<br>period. Results : CRC patients showed decreased serum antioxidant capacity level compared<br>to that of control group (CRC male 1.23 0.15 mmol/L, CRC female 1.11 0.13 mmol/L,<br>control male 1.40 0.15, control female 1.35 0.11 mmol/L). Changes of antioxidant capacity<br>levels were not correlated with stages, even though the marginal difference between<br>T-stages (T1/2 1.23 0.10 mmol/L, T3/4 1.16 0.15 mmol/L). Conclusions : Free radicals may<br>be the causative agent of colorectal carcinogenesis and can be associated with early phase of<br>carcinogenesis rather than tumor progression.<br>