CD204-Positive Tumor-associated Macrophages Relate to Malignant Transformation of Colorectal Adenoma

BACKGROUND/AIM: Colorectal adenoma is well known as a precursor lesion of colorectal adenocarcinoma (ADC). We recently reported the significance of CD204 (+) tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a vital component of the tumor microenvironment, in the carcinoma development of gastric adenoma. The aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of TAM in the malignant transformation of colorectal adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We immunohistochemically assessed the TAM number in 88 tubular or tubulovillous adenomas that were classified into L (low-grade adenomas) or H (high-grade adenomas). RESULTS: Larger adenoma size, higher frequency of villous structure, loss of proliferation polarity, p53 expression, larger TAM numbers and larger microvessel density (MVD) were detected in Group H than in Group L adenomas. Positive relations were observed between TAM and MVD, proliferation polarity and the expression of p53. CONCLUSION: CD204 (+) TAM is a novel component in the malignant transformation of colorectal adenoma.