Mucin histochemistry of the colon in relation to the menstrual cycle and its significance in colonic carcinogenesis.

Epidemiological studies indicate an association between reproductive hormonal factors and colon cancers. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of hormonal variations of the menstrual cycle on the mucin histochemistry of normal colonic mucosa and to analyse its significance in relation to colon cancers. Fifty three specimens of colon from both 33 reproductive age group females and 20 postmenopausal females were analysed for mucin histochemistry. An increase in the total mucin content was observed in the late progesterone phase with an increase in the sialomucin fraction. A postulated mechanism for an estrogenic effect include an increased production of bile acids which may act as either promoter or carcinogen in colonic cancers. The cyclical variations of colonic epithelial mucins indicate a sustained estrogen effect is not possible. Hence it is suggested--the regular menstrual cycles play a protective role and some colon cancers may be hormone induced/dependent.