Serum YKL-40 Levels in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aims and background: YKL-40 is a glycoprotein secreted by macrophages, neutrophils and malignant tumor cells. YKL-40 is expressed and secreted by several types of tumors. The aim of this study examined the clinical usefulness of YKL-40 for detection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Using ELISA kits, we measured the concentration of YKL-40 in serum from 100 patients with ESCC and compared this concentration with healthy population. Results: We found significantly higher serum levels of YKL-40 in patients with ESCC compared to the healthy population (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: These results suggested that regarding serum YKL-40 as a tumor marker could be benefical in the early clinical diagnosis.