Abstract
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been reported to be related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical usefulness of serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 as biomarkers for HCC among high-risk patients. Materials and Methods. 80 individuals were enrolled in this study; they were categorized into 4 groups: group 1 healthy individuals (NC) (n = 20), group 2 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients (n = 20), group 3 cirrhotic patients (LC) (n = 20), and HCC group (n = 20). Using ELISA technique serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were evaluated in all groups. Results. The mean serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in HCC than in LC, HCV, and NC groups (13.99 ± 1.80, 7.49 ± 0.43, 5.78 ± 0.74, and 2.57 ± 0.31), respectively (P < 0.05); also the serum levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in HCC compared with LC, HCV, and NC groups (13.69 ± 1.89, 7.37 ± 0.53, 5.18 ± 0.6, and 3.31 ± 0.42) (P < 0.05). We also found that the tumor size is correlated strongly with IL-6 and IL-10 levels (r = 0.925, P < 0.001; r = 0.821, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion. The combination of those markers may help to identify a group of HCC patients with low AFP.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors, representing more than 5% of all cancers
Significant elevations were observed in the levels of IL-6, IL-10, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in the disease groups, giving a tremendous increase in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group
The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in HCC, LC, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) groups (13.99 ± 1.80, 7.49 ± 0.43, and 5.78 ± 0.74) than Normal control (NC) group (2.57 ± 0.31) (P = 0.001), and there is a consistent increase in the IL-6 level with the disease progression from NC to HCC
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors, representing more than 5% of all cancers. The poor sensitivity of AFP renders it unsatisfactory for this purpose and suggests the need for novel biomarkers for the detection of early HCC [6]. Several biomarkers, such as des-gamma carboxyprothrombin, human hepatocytes growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 are promising, but none of these markers has been validated for clinical use [11]. Serum IL-6 levels are elevated in patients with chronic liver inflammation including alcoholic hepatitis, HBV, HCV infections, and steatohepatitis. Serum IL-10 concentration has been reported to be significantly elevated in patients with chronic HCV and IL10 may be related to hepatocarcinogenesis with suppression of immune surveillance [18]. Up to our knowledge a similar study was not done before in Egypt
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
