Assessment of the relationship between interleukin-6 and platelets in stomach cancer

Abstract

Objective. The development of reactive thrombocytosis in gastric cancer is associated with an increased level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is produced by cells that are part of the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the study is to determine the platelet count and serum IL-6 level in stages I–III of gastric cancer and evaluate the relationship between them. Materials and methods. The prospective study involved 38 patients with GC and 40 healthy volunteers. Platelet count was determined as part of a complete blood count and the normal range was 150–350 × 109. The content of IL-6 in blood serum was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, taking values of 0–10.0 ng/ml as the norm. Results. Thrombocytosis was detected in 11% of patients with GC (28.9%). Statistically significant differences compared to the control group were found in all groups. In group 1, the level of statistical significance was p=0.047 and Z=-1.989, in group 2 - p=0.005 and Z=-2.783, in group 3 - p=0.001 and Z=-4.108. The content of IL-6 exceeded the normal value in 36 patients (94.7%), reaching its highest values at stage II of the disease. A positive correlation was found between the stage of GC and IL-6 (r=0.747), the stage of GC and platelet count (r=0.508), platelet count and IL-6 (r=0.474). Conclusion. Reactive thrombocytosis in gastric cancer can be stimulated with the participation of inflammatory mediators, including IL-6. Platelets and IL-6 take part in the development of the inflammatory process, which is especially pronounced in locally advanced tumors.

Keywords

• tumor
• gastric cancer
• interleukin-6
• platelets