Clinical significance of serum interleukin-29, interleukin-32, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in patients with gastric cancer

Up and away with cervical cancer: IL-29 is a promising cytokine for immunotherapy of cervical cancer due to its powerful upregulation of p18, p27, and TRAILR1

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of female cancers worldwide. IL-29 is an interesting cytokine in the IFNλ family. Its role in the pathogenesis of neoplasia is complicated and has been studied in other cancers, such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. IL-29 has been previously reported to promote the growth of pancreatic cancer. However, the direct role of IL-29 in cervical cancer has not been studied yet. This study was performed to investigate the direct effect on cervical cancer cell growth. Clonogenic survival assay, cell proliferation, and caspase-3 activity kits were used to evaluate the effects of IL-29 on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptosis of a well-studied cervical cancer cell line, SiHa. We further investigated the potential molecular mechanisms by using RT-PCR and IHC. We found that the percentage of colonies of SiHa cells was decreased in the presence of IL-29. This was consistent with a decreased OD value of cancer cells. Furthermore, the relative caspase-3 activity in cancer cells increased in the presence of IL-29. The anti-proliferative effect of IL-29 on cancer cells correlated with increased expression of the anti-proliferative molecules p18 and p27. The pro-apoptotic effect of IL-29 on cancer cells correlated with increased expression of the pro-apoptotic molecule TRAILR1. IL-29 inhibits cervical cancer cell growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis. Thus, IL-29 might be a promising cytokine for immunotherapy of cervical cancer.

Importance of screening severe COVID-19 patients for IFN-λ1, IL-6 and anti-S1 IgG levels

Cytokine storm is an important cause of death in COVID-19 patients. A recent clinical study showed that administration of recombinant interferon lambda 1 (IFN-λ1 or IL-29) may prevent severe COVID-19. On the other hand, IL-6 has been associated as a prognostic marker of worsening for COVID-19 patients. The objective of this study is to screen IFN-λ1, IL-6 and antibody levels in consecutive serum sample sets of COVID-19 patients. A total of 365 serum samples collected from 208 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed for IFN-λ1 and IL-6 levels as well as SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and anti-S1 IgG antibodies. Analyses of serum samples for cytokine levels showed that IFN-λ1 (>8 pg/mL) and IL-6 (>2 pg/mL) were detected in approximately 64% and 21% patients, respectively. A decrement in IFN-λ1 levels and IL-6 levels above 35 pg/mL can be sign of clinical severity and upcoming dead. An increment in IL-6 levels wasn't detected in every COVID-19 patient but a decrement in IL-6 levels was related to clinical improvement. Importantly, the detection of IFN-λ1 level together with an increase in anti-S1 IgG antibody response were observed in clinically improved patients. Screening severe COVID-19 patients for IFN-λ1, IL-6, and anti-S1 IgG antibody levels during their hospital stay especially in intensive care units may be beneficial to monitor the clinical status and management of treatment strategies. Importantly, detection of IFN-λ1 together with protective IgG antibody response can be an indication of clinical improvement in severe COVID-19 patients and these patients may be discharged from the hospital soon.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha: Implications of Anesthesia on Cancers

Cancer remains a major public health issue and a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, surgery is the mainstay of cancer treatment for solid tumors. However, tumor cells are known to disseminate into the vascular and lymphatic systems during surgical manipulation. Additionally, surgery-induced stress responses can produce an immunosuppressive environment that is favorable for cancer relapse. Up to 90% of cancer-related deaths are the result of metastatic disease after surgical resection. Emerging evidence shows that the interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) not only play decisive roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis but also have profound effects on therapeutic efficacy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine contributing to both physiological and pathological processes, is one of the main mediators of inflammation-associated carcinogenesis in the TME. Because TNF-α signaling may modulate the course of cancer, it can be therapeutically targeted to ameliorate clinical outcomes. As the incidence of cancer continues to grow, approximately 80% of cancer patients require anesthesia during cancer care for diagnostic, therapeutic, or palliative procedures, and over 60% of cancer patients receive anesthesia for primary surgical resection. Numerous studies have demonstrated that perioperative management, including surgical manipulation, anesthetics/analgesics, and other supportive care, may alter the TME and cancer progression by affecting inflammatory or immune responses during cancer surgery, but the literature about the impact of anesthesia on the TNF-α production and cancer progression is limited. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the implications of anesthesia on cancers from the insights of TNF-α release and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving oncological survival.

A Paradoxical Effect of Interleukin-32 Isoforms on Cancer

IL-32 plays a contradictory role such as tumor proliferation or suppressor in cancer development depending on the cancer type. In most cancers, it was found that the high expression of IL-32 was associated with more proliferative and progression of cancer. However, studying the isoforms of IL-32 cytokine has placed its paradoxical role into a wide range of functions based on its dominant isoform and surrounding environment. IL-32β, for example, was found mostly in different types of cancer and associated with cancer expansion. This observation is legitimate since cancer exhibits some hypoxic environment and IL-32β was known to be induced under hypoxic conditions. However, IL-32θ interacts directly with protein kinase C-δ reducing NF-κB and STAT3 levels to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This effect could explain the different functions of IL-32 isoforms in cancer. However, pro- or antitumor activity which is dependant on obesity, gender, and age as it relates to IL-32 has yet to be studied. Obesity-related IL-32 regulation indicated the role of IL-32 in cancer metabolism and inflammation. IL-32-specific direction in cancer therapy is difficult to conclude. In this review, we address that the paradoxical effect of IL-32 on cancer is attributed to the dominant isoform, cancer type, tumor microenvironment, and genetic background. IL-32 seems to have a contradictory role in cancer. However, investigating multiple IL-32 isoforms could explain this doubt and bring us closer to using them in therapy.

Association between interleukin-32 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To determine association between IL-32 gene polymorphism, and serum levels of IL-32 and susceptibility to preeclampsia (PE).

METHODS

The frequency of IL-32 rs9927163 and rs4786370 polymorphisms was determined by PCR-RFLP. Also ELISA was used to determine the levels of serum IL-32.

RESULTS

Regarding rs4786370 C/T SNPs, the frequencies of CT, TT genotypes, and T allele were shown to be higher in the PE patients. IL-32 serum level significantly increased in the PE patients.

CONCLUSION

Variety of allele and genotype IL32 rs4786370 as well as a rise in serum level of IL-32 can be regarded as a risk factor for PE.

Local and Systemic Interleukin-32 in Esophageal, Gastric, and Colorectal Cancers: Clinical and Diagnostic Significance

Little is known on clinical and diagnostic relevance of interleukin-32 in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. We determined its mRNA (n = 52) and protein (n = 63) expression in paired (tumor-normal) samples from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, with reference to cancer-associated genes, and quantified circulating interleukin-32 in 70 cancer patients and 28 controls. IL32 expression was significantly upregulated solely in ESCC, reflecting T stage in non-transformed tumor-adjacent tissue. Fold-change in IL32 and IL-32 was higher in left-sided CRC, owing to high interleukin expression in non-transformed right-sided colonic mucosa. IL32 was independently and positively associated with Ki67, HIF1A, and ACTA2 and negatively with TJP1 in tumors and with IL10Ra and BCLxL in non-transformed tumor-adjacent tissue. IL-32 protein was significantly upregulated in colorectal tumors. In ESCC, advanced stage and lymph node metastasis were associated with significant IL-32 upregulation. Circulating interleukin was significantly elevated in cancer patients, more so in ESCC and GC than CRC. As biomarker, IL-32 detected gastroesophageal cancers with 99.5% accuracy. In conclusion, IL-32 is upregulated in GIT cancers at local and systemic level, reflecting hypoxia and proliferative and invasive/metastatic capacity in tumors and immunosuppressive and antiapoptotic potential in non-transformed mucosa, while being an accurate biomarker of gastroesophageal cancers.

Molecular interactions and functions of IL-32

IL-32 is a multifaceted cytokine associated with several diseases and inflammatory conditions. Its expression is induced in response to cellular stress such as hypoxia, infections, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-32 can be secreted from cells and can induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from several cell types but are also described to have anti-inflammatory functions. The intracellular form of IL-32 is shown to play an important role in various cellular processes, including the defense against intracellular bacteria and viruses and in modulation of cell metabolism. In this review, we discuss current literature on molecular interactions of IL-32 with other proteins. We also review data on the role of intracellular IL-32 as a metabolic regulator and its role in antimicrobial host defense.

Associations of the -238(G/A) and -308(G/A) TNF-α Promoter Polymorphisms and TNF-α Serum Levels with the Susceptibility to Gastric Precancerous Lesions and Gastric Cancer Related to Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Moroccan Population

Objective:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which is closely related to a gastric epithelial injury. TNF-α gene polymorphism and TNF-α serum levels are associated with various malignant conditions. Identification of the ideal marker for gastric cancer (GC) is still the leading aim of several trials. Physio-pathological considerations of GC led us to investigate the association of two TNF-α promoter polymorphisms (-308G>A and -238G>A), and TNF-α serum levels with the susceptibility to gastric precancerous (PL) and GC.

Methods:

Patients suffering from gastric lesions (65 chronic gastritis, 50 PL, 40 GC) related to H. pylori ‎infection , and 63 healthy controls (HC) were involved in this study. Individuals are genotyped by TNF-α gene promoter sequencing and TNF-α serum levels are measured by ELISA quantitative method.

Results:

Regarding TNF-α-308 G/A locus, we noticed higher risk for GC (OR=4.3, CI 1.5-11.9, p-value=0.005) and PL (OR=3.4, CI 1.2-9.2, p-value=0.01) for individuals with AA/GA genotypes compared to GG genotype. Concerning TNF-α-238 G/A locus, we noticed higher risk for GC (OR=5.9, CI 1.2-27.5, p-value=0.01) and PL (OR=4.8, CI 1.3-18, p-value=0.01) for individuals with GG genotype compared to AA/GA genotypes. We noticed that TNF-α serum levels have been increased together with gastric lesions severity. Moreover, TNF-α-308 and TNF-α-238 A alleles seemed to, respectively, upregulate and downregulate TNF-α serum levels.

Conclusion:

The TNF-α -308 A allele has a promotive effect for GC progression, whereas the TNF-α -238 A allele has a protective function against GC progression. High levels of TNF-α seemed to be associated with the aggressiveness of gastric lesions. TNF-α gene polymorphisms and TNF-α serum levels might be helpful to select those patients who are at high risk for GC.

PDHA1 Gene Knockout In Human Esophageal Squamous Cancer Cells Resulted In Greater Warburg Effect And Aggressive Features In Vitro And In Vivo

Background

One of the remarkable metabolic characteristics of cancer cells is that they prefer glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha subunit (PDHA1) is an important prerequisite for OXPHOS. Our previous studies have shown that low level of PDHA1 protein expression in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) was correlated with poor prognosis. However, the effect of PDHA1 inhibition on metabolism and biological behavior of esophageal cancer cells remains unclear.

Methods And Results

In this study, a KYSE450 PDHA1 knockout (KO) cell line of esophageal cancer was established by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Then, the glycose metabolism, cell proliferation and migration abilities, chemotherapeutic tolerance and angiogenesis of the PDHA1 KO cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. In the PDHA1 KO cells, the glycolysis and the consumption of glucose and glutamine were significantly enhanced, while the OXPHOS was significantly suppressed, implying Warburg effect in the PDHA1 KO cells. Furthermore, it was also proved in vitro experiments that the PDHA1 KO cell obtained proliferation advantage, as well as significantly greater chemotherapy tolerance and migration ability. Xenograft experiments discovered not only larger tumors but also increased angiogenesis in the PDHA1 KO cell group.

Conclusion

Inhibition of PDHA1 gene expression in human ESCC leads to metabolic reprogramming of Warburg effect and increased malignancies. Targeting ESCC metabolic reprogramming may become a potential therapeutic target.

Interleukin-32: Frenemy in cancer?

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) was originally identified in natural killer (NK) cells activated by IL-2 in 1992. Thus, it was named NK cell transcript 4 (NK4) because of its unknown function at that time. The function of IL-32 has been elucidated over the last decade. IL-32 is primarily considered to be a booster of inflammatory reactions because it is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates the production of those cytokines and vice versa. Therefore, many studies have been devoted to studying the roles of IL-32 in inflammation-associated cancers, including gastric, colon cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. At the same time, roles of IL-32 have also been discovered in other cancers. Collectively, IL-32 fosters the tumor progression by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated cytokines and metalloproteinase production, as well as stimulation of differentiation into immunosuppressive cell types in some cancer types. However, it is also able to induce tumor cell apoptosis and enhance NK and cytotoxic T cell sensitivity in other cancer types. In this review, we will address the function of each IL-32 isoform in different cancer types studied to date, and suggest further strategies to comprehensively elucidate the roles of IL-32 in a context-dependent manner.

Elevated serum interleukin-32 levels in patients with endometriosis: A cross-sectional study

PROBLEM

Recently, interleukin (IL)-32 has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum IL-32 level might be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of endometriosis.

METHOD OF STUDY

We recruited the serum samples of 50 patients with histologically confirmed endometriosis and 35 controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the serum IL-32, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and CA-125 levels in patients with and without the disease and the diagnostic potentials of the cytokines were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Among evaluated cytokines, only serum IL-32 levels showed significant differences between patients with and without endometriosis (1111.24 ± 149.59 vs 631.10 ± 120.23 ng/mL, P = 0.018, respectively). When the diagnostic power of serum IL-32 was evaluated, the AUC was 0.638 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.521-0.766, P = 0.031). When serum IL-32 levels were combined with serum CA-125 levels, the AUC was increased to 0.749 (95% CI: 0.640-0.858, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 60.0% and 82.9% at cutoff value of 0.640, which led to detect 25 more cases of endometriosis than the use of serum CA 125 with the cutoff value of 35 IU/mL (36/50 vs 11/50, P < 0.001) without sacrificing the specificity of the marker.

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-32 levels are elevated in patients with endometriosis, and with combination of serum CA-125 levels, it may serve as a potential biomarker for endometriosis.

Clinical Significance of Serum Type III Interferons in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Type III interferon (IFN) is a newly established IFN that shows roles different from those of type I and II IFNs. However, the effect of type III IFN on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of serum IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2/3 levels on the survival of patients with GC. LEGENDplex bead-based immunoassays were used to analyze the serum IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2/3 levels in patients with GC and healthy volunteers. Flow cytometry was used to test the IFN concentrations. Compared with the healthy controls, the patients with GC had significantly decreased serum IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ1 levels, but significantly increased serum IFN-λ2/3 level. Analysis of the serum IFN concentrations and clinical parameters of the patients with GC showed significant correlations of serum IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ2/3 levels with clinical stages. Serum IFN-λ1 levels significantly correlated with tumor location, histopathology, and lymph node involvement. Serum IFN-λ2/3 levels significantly correlated with lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. In addition, serum IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ levels significantly correlated with clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. Serum IFN-β and IFN-γ levels also significantly correlated with Lauren classification. Furthermore, the patients with stage IV GC exhibited significantly lower IFN-λ2/3 levels and higher IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ levels than the patients with stage I-III GC. The univariate analysis revealed that tumor sizes of >5 cm, higher clinical stage, and high IFN-λ2/3 level were significantly associated with poor prognosis. This study shows the relationship between serum IFN level and GC progression. High serum IFN-λ2/3 levels were associated with poor prognosis and could be a novel biomarker for evaluating GC progression and predicting the outcomes of nonmetastatic GC.

Insights into the role of IL-32 in cancer

Interleukin 32 (IL-32) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the development of several diseases, including cancer. IL-32 is a rather peculiar cytokine because its protein structure does not show resemblance with any of the known cytokines, and an IL-32 receptor to facilitate extracellular signaling has not yet been identified. Thus far, 9 isoforms of IL-32 have been described, all of which show differences in terms of effects and in potency to elicit a specific effect. Since the first report of IL-32 in 2005, there is increasing evidence that IL-32 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Some IL-32 isoforms have been linked to disease outcome and were shown to positively influence tumor development and progression in various different malignancies, including gastric, breast and lung cancers. However, there are other reports suggesting a tumor suppressive role for some of IL-32 as well. For example, IL-32γ and IL-32β expression is associated with increased cancer cell death in colon cancer and melanoma, whereas expression of these isoforms is associated with increased invasion and migration in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, IL-32 isoforms α, β and γ also play an important role in regulating the anti-tumor immune response, thus also influencing tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of IL-32 and its different isoforms in carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis and regulation of the anti-tumor immune response.

Interleukin-29 Enhances Synovial Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Osteoarthritis

We have recently shown that IL-29 was an important proinflammatory cytokine in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation also contributes to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of IL-29 on cytokine production and cartilage degradation in OA. The mRNA levels of IL-29 and its specific receptor IL-28Ra in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were significantly increased in OA patients when compared to healthy controls (HC). In the serum, IL-29 protein levels were higher in OA patients than those in HC. Immunohistochemistry revealed that both IL-29 and IL-28Ra were dramatically elevated in OA synovium compared to HC; synovial fibroblasts (FLS) and macrophages were the main IL-29-producing cells in OA synovium. Furthermore, recombinant IL-29 augmented the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and matrix-metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in OA FLS and increased cartilage degradation when ex vivo OA cartilage explant was coincubated with OA FLS. Finally, in OA FLS, IL-29 dominantly activated MAPK and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), but not Jak-STAT and AKT signaling pathway as examined by western blot. In conclusion, IL-29 stimulates inflammation and cartilage degradation by OA FLS, indicating that this cytokine is likely involved in the pathogenesis of OA.