Tritiated-thymidine labeling of rectal epithelial cells in 'non-prep' biopsies of individuals at increased risk for colonic neoplasia.

Recent measurements have shown increased proliferation of colonic epithelial cells in individuals at heightened risk for cancer of the large intestine. This biomarker has facilitated measurements of the effects of nutritional intervention in studies that are attempting to inhibit tumor development in high-risk individuals. In this study, further measurements were made of the proliferation of rectal epithelial cells, when biopsies were removed from mucosa that had not previously been disturbed by any tapwater or other enema preparations. Progressive increases were found in the numbers of [3H]dThd-labeled epithelial cells in rectal crypts, and in labeling index profiles, in patients having previous sporadic adenomas or colon cancer, compared to individuals who had not developed colonic neoplasms. The most quiescent proliferative equilibrium was found in individuals without previous colonic disease. Findings indicated that 'non-prep' rectal biopsies obtained from the most accessible region of the large intestine, show modifications in the biomarker of cell proliferation paralleling colon cancer risk.