Serum interleukin-6 associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a nested case-control study
Waka Ohishi1, John B Cologne, Saeko Fujiwara
1Department of Clinical Studies, Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Hiroshima, Japan.
International Journal of Cancer
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly increase hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, particularly in obese individuals. C-reactive protein (CRP) showed no significant association with HCC development in this study.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Inflammatory markers are inconsistently linked to various cancer risks.
- Previous studies show conflicting evidence regarding inflammation and cancer.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk factors require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6) and HCC risk.
- To examine the influence of obesity on the relationship between IL-6 and HCC.
Main Methods:
- Nested case-control study within the atomic-bomb survivors cohort.
- Measured serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 188 HCC cases and 605 controls.
- Adjusted for hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, smoking, BMI, and radiation dose.
Main Results:
- Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly associated with increased HCC risk (RR=5.12, p=0.007).
- C-reactive protein (CRP) showed no significant association with HCC risk (RR=1.94, p=0.20).
- The association between IL-6 and HCC risk was stronger in individuals with BMI > 25.0 kg/m² (aRR=3.09, p=0.015).
Conclusions:
- Higher serum IL-6 levels are independently associated with increased HCC risk.
- Obesity amplifies the association between IL-6 and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- IL-6 may serve as a potential biomarker for HCC risk, especially in obese populations.
