The Role of Beclin 1 and HER2 in Colorectal Carcinoma; An Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of Beclin 1 and HER2 proteins using immunohistochemistry in CRC tissues compared to colonic adenoma, and to investigate the correlation of their expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes in CRC patients. Methods: The study utilized paraffin-embedded blocks from 17 colonic adenoma and 81 CRC cases. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess the expression of Beclin 1 and HER2 proteins. Results: The cytoplasmic expression of Beclin 1 was significantly higher in CRC tissues compared to adenoma specimens (P=0.051). High Beclin 1 expression was significantly associated with distal colon location (P=0.028). High HER2 cytoplasmic expression was significantly associated with vascular invasion (P=0.05), perineural invasion (P=0.03), and shorter overall survival (P=0.035). Conclusions: The findings suggest that Beclin 1 plays a role in colorectal carcinogenesis, with higher expression observed in CRC cases compared to adenoma cases. Furthermore, HER2 carries poor prognostic impact in CRC cases.