Serum Levels of Interleukin 10, Interleukin 17A, and Calcitriol in Different Groups of Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the fourth prevalent reason of cancer deaths. Interleukin 10 (IL10) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) act as anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively, both being able to exert antitumor or pro-tumor roles in cancer. Serum levels for IL-10, IL-17A, and calcitriol were measured by ELISA. The CRC patient sample (n =90) consisted of newly diagnosed, before surgery, and after surgery groups, the results of which were compared with those of healthy subjects (n=30). IL-10 levels demonstrated significantly lower (P<0.001), significantly higher (P<0.001), and insignificant differences in the three groups, respectively, as compared to the control. Serum IL-17A levels were significantly higher (P<0.001) in all patient groups compared with healthy subjects, whereas calcitriol levels were significantly lower in most patients. In conclusion,low levels of IL-10 found in CRC patients at diagnosis could be used as a diagnostic marker for the disease. However, chemo-radiotherapy caused an increase in the levels of this cytokine, which were restored to normal following surgical intervention. In addition, a contribution of serum calcitriol in changing the levels of IL-10 in CRC patients was observed. High levels of IL-17A, regardless of patient group, indicated a strong association with CRC.