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Cytokine mRNA expression in basal cell carcinoma.
T Gambichler1, M Skrygan, J Hyun
1Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, Bochum 44791, Germany. t.gambichler@klinikum-bochum.de
Archives of Dermatological Research
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA levels are significantly elevated in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumor tissue compared to healthy skin. This study highlights the role of IL-6 and IL-8 in BCC development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cytokines (CKs) are implicated in skin cancer development.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in BCC.
- To compare CK mRNA levels in lesional BCC skin, non-lesional skin of BCC patients, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Biopsy specimens from 22 BCC patients (lesional and non-lesional) and 25 healthy controls.
- Routine histology and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for CK mRNA analysis.
Main Results:
- IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were significantly higher in lesional BCC skin than in non-lesional skin and controls.
- IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression showed a significant positive correlation.
- No significant difference in TNF-alpha mRNA levels was observed between groups.
- No significant difference in CK mRNA expression between nodular and superficial BCC subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Basal cell carcinoma is associated with increased IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression.
- Upregulation of IL-6 mRNA significantly correlates with IL-8 overexpression in BCC.
- IL-6 and IL-8 play a role in the development and/or progression of BCC.