Familial polyposis coli plasma causes a transformation-associated morphology of cells in vitro: hyperproteinemia and colorectal polyps.

A 100 fold increase in plasma protease activity (p less than 0.001) was found in 9 of 12 individuals with heritable adenomatosis of the colon and rectum (ACR). The three patients lacking increased protease activity showed 400% more plasmin inhibitor activity compared to controls. The 9 ACR patients were identified out of 75 coded samples which included normal controls, asymptomatic at risk and medically treated (total colectomy, ileostomy) ACR individuals. These 9 protease positive plasma samples caused a transformation associated morphology in normal human colon cells in culture. We shall present evidence that: 1) ACR patients with clinical precancer can be identified and 2) Protease and protease inhibitors are directly implicated in the development of cancer in ACR.