The Potential Role of Asprosin and Irisin in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in Iraqi Patients

Akam Jasim  Mustafa; Parwin Jalal  Jalil; Hazhar M.  Balaky; Parween Abdulsamad  Ismail; Rija Wahid  Hatam; Salwa Zahid  Yusuf; Sebar Jabbar  Saeed

doi:10.24996/ijs.2026.67.7.13

Authors

Akam Jasim Mustafa Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Parwin Jalal Jalil Scientific Research Centre, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Hazhar M. Balaky Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran-Erbil, Kurdistan Region-Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4579-2617
Parween Abdulsamad Ismail Department of Chemistry, College of Education, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Rija Wahid Hatam Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Salwa Zahid Yusuf Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Sebar Jabbar Saeed Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran, Kurdistan region, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2026.67.7.13

Keywords:

Asprosin, Adipokines, Biomarkers, Colorectal Neoplasms, Irisin

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the top causes of cancer mortality worldwide, yet early detection remains challenging. Although carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is routinely used, the roles of adipocytokines such as Asprosin (ASP) and Irisin (Ir) in CRC diagnosis and prognosis are not well defined. Objective: This study aims to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum ASP and Ir levels in Iraqi CRC patients, with analyses stratified by gender, body mass index (BMI), and age. Materials and Methods: In a nine‑month case-control study, 102 individuals (62 histologically confirmed CRC patients and 40 healthy volunteers) were recruited. Serum CEA was quantified by electrochemiluminescence, while Asprosin and Irisin concentrations were measured using ELISA. Statistical comparisons (unpaired t-test, ANOVA) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to evaluate the biomarker's performance and correlation with BMI, gender, and age. Results: Compared to controls, CRC patients exhibited significantly lower ASP (mean ± SD: 1.85 ± 0.45 vs. 2.32 ± 0.50 pg/mL; P< 0.001) and higher Ir levels (3.15 ± 0.70 vs. 2.48 ± 0.60 ng/mL; P < 0.001). ASP positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.42; P = 0.002) and was elevated in males and patients > 60 years. In contrast, Irisin inversely correlated with BMI (r = –0.35; P = 0.008) and was lower in patients < 50 years. ROC analysis yielded AUCs of 0.7801 for ASP (cut‑off 2.098 pg/mL; 83.9% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity) and 0.7571 for Ir (cut‑off 2.232 ng/mL; 72.2% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity). Conclusion: Serum ASP and Ir display distinct expression patterns in CRC and demonstrate good diagnostic potential, influenced by BMI, age, and gender. These adipocytokines may complement existing biomarkers to enhance early detection of CRC and risk stratification; larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.