Tumour-associated trypsin inhibitor, carcinoembryonic antigen and acute-phase reactant proteins CRP and alpha1-antitrypsin in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies

Abstract

Objectives: Elevated serum tumour-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) levels have been observed in association with malignancy or inflammation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of TATI in gastric and colorectal cancer.

Design and methods: In preoperative serum samples, we measured TATI, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT).

Results: Elevated levels of TATI were observed in 50% and 41.7% of patients with gastric and colorectal cancer. Elevated levels of TATI were observed only in 8% of patients with benign gastrointestinal malignancies (92% specificity). Elevated levels of CEA were observed in 25% and 24.4% of patients, respectively. The total positivity of CEA and TATI (with at least one marker positive) was 62.5% and 57%, respectively. Spearman's test has shown a statistically significant correlation among serum TATI, CRP and AAT levels (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: In gastrointestinal cancer, TATI can be used as a complementary tumour marker in addition to CEA. Regulation of TATI synthesis resembles that of acute-phase reactant proteins.