IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 Concentration in Tumor Tissue, Adjacent Tumor Tissue and the Serums of Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Tumor environment consists of various cells and cytokines. The cytokines are widely produced in the environment by tumor and immune cells. Tumor growth and development depends on the cytokines secreted in this environment. Cytokines have either pro-or anti-inflammatory activity as well as immunesurvilance stability which influence tumor progression in microenvironment. Methods: From 29 patients with breast cancer, 14 patients with malignant and 15 with benign tumors were considered. Specimens were collected from patients who were operated for breast cancer. Obtained tissues were kept at -80°C and then were prepared by homogenizer device. IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 were measured in tumor tissue, adjacent tumor tissue, and patients’ serum using ELISA technique. Findings: The concentration of IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ were 112.3 ± 15.2, 16.9 ± 2.3, and 14.6 ± 3.8 pg/ml in malignant tissues, respectively. The concentration of IL-4 and IL-17 in tumor tissue, adjacent tumor tissue, and serum of patients with malignant tumors were higher than those with benign tumors. Conclusion: Our data indicates that elevated IL-4 and IL-17, but not IFN-γ, in tumor microenvironment may affect the malignancy progression.

Keywords

• Cytokines
• IFN-γ
• IL-4
• IL-17
• Tumor
• Breast tumors