Abstract:Objective To investigate the relationship between the expressions of syndecan 2 and E-cadherin and lymphatic metastasis in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods The expressions of syndecan 2 and E-cadeherin were tested in 75 specimens of colorectal carcinoma, 45 adenomatous polyps and 30 normal mucosas using immunohistochemical method. Chi-square test was used to analyze data with SPSS 16.0 software. Results The positive expression rate of syndecan 2 was 43%, 80% and 100% in colorectal carcinomas, adenomatous polyps and normal mucosa, respectively. The expression of syndecan 2 was positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis and the depth of invasion into muscularis. The positive expression rate of E-cadherin was 66%, 85% and 100% in colorectal carcinomas, adenomatous polyps and normal mucosa, respectively. The expression rate of E-cadherin was negatively correlated with lymphatic metastasis and the depth of invasion into muscularis. Conclusions Syndecan 2 and E-cadherin expressions decrease in colorectal adenocarcinoma compared to normal mucosa. The high expression of syndecan 2 with low expression of E-cadherin is significantly correlated with lymphatic metastasis.