Aim: To determine, by counting micronucleus (MN) frequencies, whether chromosomal or DNA damage have an effect on the pathogenesis of early colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC).
Methods: We analyzed MN frequencies in 21 patients with CRC, 24 patients with colon polyps [10 neoplastic polyps (NP) and 14 non-neoplastic polyps (NNP)] and 20 normal controls.
Results: MN frequency was significantly increased in CRC patients and in NP patients compared with controls (3.72 +/- 1.34, 3.58 +/- 1.21 vs 1.97 +/- 0.81, P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in the MN frequency between CRC patients and NP patients (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no difference in the MN frequency between NNP patients (2.06 +/- 0.85) and controls (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Our results suggest increased chromosome/DNA instabilities may be associated with the pathogenesis of early CRC.