Highlights:
Bovine meat and milk factors (BMMFs), discovered by de Villiers et al. in 2014, are a family of infectious agents found in beef and cow's milk that have been connected to cancer development. According to new research published in the journal Molecular Oncology, monitoring the presence and rate of expression of a BMMF-encoded replication protein (Rep) in inflammatory areas of the tissues may help identify individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer after decades of dormancy.
- Bovine milk and meat factors (BMMFs) are plasmid-like DNA molecules recovered from bovine milk, serum, and colorectal cancer patients' peritumor
- Monitoring the presence and rate of expression of a BMMF-encoded replication protein (Rep) in inflammatory areas can help with cancer diagnosis
- BMMF Rep expression could be a signal and an early risk factor for colorectal cancer
Identifying the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
The presence of Rep and particular immune cells in tissues from persons with and without colorectal cancer was compared in the study. In addition to finding differences in Rep expression between these groups, the researchers discovered the Rep in immune cells involved in inflammation in precancerous stages, lending credence to our Hausen's earlier contribution of BMMF to colorectal cancer via inflammation-driven indirect carcinogenesis described in 2001 and 2009.Bovine Meat and Milk Factors Play a Role in Cancer Prognosis
“With further studies, we aim to address whether the identification of BMMF-positive inflamed tissue can be used as an early risk marker for colorectal cancer. Therefore, first monitoring of Rep expression and inflammation in biopsies is important to better understand BMMF-specific induction of cancer and prognosis,” said corresponding author Timo Bund, Ph.D., of the German Cancer Research Centre. “The early identification of BMMF might offer new options for preventive and therapeutical intervention.”
Colorectal Cancer - Types, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis & Prevention
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men.
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men.
‘It is critical to first monitor Rep expression and inflammation in biopsies to better understand BMMF-specific cancer induction and prognosis.’
Source-Medindia 
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal screening is done using tests to detect blood in stool, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy ordouble contrast barium enema or CT colonography.
Colorectal screening is done using tests to detect blood in stool, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy ordouble contrast barium enema or CT colonography.
Colorectal Cancer Screening with Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a widely used endoscopic procedure to screen individuals for colorectal cancer. It is very sensitive in detecting colorectal cancers.
Colonoscopy is a widely used endoscopic procedure to screen individuals for colorectal cancer. It is very sensitive in detecting colorectal cancers.
Colorectal Cancer Screening with Double-Contrast Barium Enema
Double-contrast barium enema is a radiological technique that can be used to screen individuals for colorectal cancer and is performed when colonoscopy is not possible.
Double-contrast barium enema is a radiological technique that can be used to screen individuals for colorectal cancer and is performed when colonoscopy is not possible.
