Impact of laparoscopic CO2-insufflation on tumor-associated molecules in cultured colorectal cancer cells

Background: Laparoscopic CO2-insufflation is believed to stimulate proliferation and metastatic potential of gastrointestinal carcinomas. E-cadherin, I-CAMI, I-CAM2, and CD44 are involved into the metastatic process of different cancer cell lines. The current study investigates the influence of CO2-insufflation on the expression of E-cadherin, I-CAM1, I-CAM2, and CD44 in vitro. Methods: CX-2 and CC531 colon carcinoma cells (human/rat) were exposed to pneumoperitoneal CO2-insufflation. E-cadherin, I-CAM1, I-CAM2, and CD44 were measured 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after CO2-insufflation using flowcytometry. Control groups were exposed to room air. Data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Both cell lines showed significant alteration in E-cadherin, I-CAMI, and CD44 expression after CO2 exposure (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found regarding I-CAM2 expression. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates CO2-insufflation to influence the expression of E-cadherin, I-CAM1 and CD44. Whether these changes increases the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells in vivo needs further investigation.