Chitinase-like Proteins YKL-40 and YKL-39 in Colorectal Cancer

YKL-40 and YKL-39 chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are secreted glycoproteins involved in inflammation, macrophage polarization, and carcinogenesis. Their expression is significantly upregulated in various inflammatory and immunological conditions, including several cancers, suggesting a role as potential diagnostic markers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, with a continued need for reliable biomarkers to stratify patients and predict therapy response. In this study, we assessed tissue, plasma, and transcript levels of both CLPs in CRC. We found a strong association between their tissue expression and tumor budding. Notably, plasma YKL-39 levels were lower in CRC patients than in controls, while YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the patient group. Gene expression analysis for both CLPs in white blood cells (WBCs) did not reveal statistical significance between CRC patients and controls. These findings enhance our understanding of the clinical relevance of these molecular signatures and support their potential application as biomarkers in CRC stratification.