Study on the expression level of Prokineticin 2 in mice model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer

Objective Our object is to determine the significant role of Prokineticin 2 (PK2) in ulcerative colitis through the successful construction of the model of ulcerative colitis in vivo and in vitro. Methods Through the construction of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer, we detected PK2 mRNA expression by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), the PK2 protein level expression by using Western blotting, and the PK2 protein level expression in colonic homogenate by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in NCM460 cell line to activate inflammatory signaling pathway, we detected the expression of PK2 mRNA and protein levels. Results In AOM/DSS induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer model, mRNA and protein levels of PK2 were gradually increased. The mRNA and protein levels of PK2 were increased in LPS induced cellular inflammatory model [PK2 mRNA level elevated approximately 3.42 times, P=0.013; PK2 protein level was increased by about 2.10 times, (78.2±5.2) pg/ml vs. (163.8±8.4) pg/ml, P=0.029]. Conclusion With the progression of colitis, PK2 was increased. PK2/prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) signaling pathway may play an important function in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Blocking this pathway may provide a new target for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Key words: Prokineticin 2; Ulcerative colitis; NCM460 cells