ykl-40—a protein in the field of translational medicine a role as a biomarker in cancer patientsykl-40-a蛋白质领域的转化医学在癌症患者作为生物标志物.pdf

Cancers 2010, 2, 1453-1491; doi:10.3390/cancers2031453 OPEN ACCESS cancers ISSN 2072-6694 /journal/cancers Review YKL-40—A Protein in the Field of Translational Medicine: A Role as a Biomarker in Cancer Patients? Nicolai A. Schultz 1 and Julia S. Johansen 2,3,* 1 Departments of Surgical Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark; E-Mail: nicolai-schultz@dadlnet.dk 2 Departments of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark 3 Departments of Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: julia.johansen@post3. tele.dk; Tel.: 45ext. 89241; Fax: 45 Received: 13 May 2010; in revised form: 1 July 2010 / Accepted: 9 July 2010 / Published: 12 July 2010 Abstract: YKL-40 is a 40 kDa glycoprotein produced by cancer cells, inflammatory cells and stem cells. It probably has a role in cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammation, protection against apoptosis, stimulation of angiogenesis, and regulation of extracellular tissue remodelling. Plasma levels of YKL-40 are often elevated in patients with localized or advanced cancer compared to age-matched healthy subjects. Several studies have demonstrated that high plasma YKL-40 is an independent prognostic biomarker of short survival in patients with different types of cancer. However, there is