The role of interleukin DNA polymorphisms in gastric cancer

Gastric carcinoma is one of the most widespread malignancies worldwide. Interleukins are the key group of cytokines which may have tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing effect, and receptors for them, of course, have the same importance in this context. However, mechanisms of their impact on tumor are not fully understood up to date. Numerous studies provide conflicting data, that makes picture more confusing and complicated. It is known that single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin genes may dramatically affect on protein expression level, or alter its functions, which may lead to gastritis or ulcer, and eventually promote cancer occurrence. Furthermore, some of these genetic polymorphisms may serve as predictive factors for cancer prognosis and prevention. In order to understand the impact of each genetic polymorphism, the review of IL-1B, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL17A, IL-17F DNA polymorphisms on gastric carcinoma was done, and risk alleles were recommended for further research.