Interleukin-6 compared to the other Th17/Treg related cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUNDThe connection between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is well-established, as persistent intestinal inflammation plays a substantial role in both disorders.Cytokines may further influence the inflammation and the carcinogenesis process. AIMTo compare cytokine patterns of active IBD patients with early and advanced CRC. METHODSChoosing a panel of cytokines crucial for Th17/Treg differentiation and behavior, in colon specimens, as mRNA biomarkers, and their serum protein levels. RESULTSWe found a significant difference between higher gene expression of FoxP3, TGFb1, IL-10, and IL-23, and approximately equal level of IL-6 in CRC patients in comparison with IBD patients.After stratification of CRC patients, we found a significant difference in FoxP3, IL-10, IL-23, and IL-17A mRNA in early cases compared to IBD, and IL-23 alone in advanced CRC.The protein levels of the cytokines were significantly higher in CRC patients compared to IBD patients. CONCLUSIONOur findings showed that IL-6 upregulation is essential for both IBD and CRC