Expression Profile of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in Breast Tumors

Chronic inflammation is associated with several neoplasms. Many studies tried to evaluate the correlation between cytokines and the pathogenesis of various cancer types and IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α are often target of these analyses. The aim of the present study was to analyze cytokines mRNA expression in breast cancer samples to better understand pathogenesis and clinical aspects. Patients were selected from the oncology service of Centro Universitário FMABC; tumor RNA was obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies of breast cancer tissue. Gene expression was assessed by qPCR. Samples from 95 patients were obtained, presenting tumor stages varying from 0 to IIIB, with most of them in stage IIIA (33.68%). IL-2 and TNF-α expression presented a significant correlation with tumor stage. There was no correlation of cytokines expression with Ki-67 and prognostic factors. The study illustrated the pleiotropic role of IL-2, with no expression in early stages of cancer, varying according to "stage worsening". Regarding progesterone receptor (PR), correlation with TNF-α and IL-2 can reinforce the role of PR as an indicator of positive prognosis. The findings of this investigation suggest IL-2 and TNF-α could be evaluated in a larger study to better understanding pathogenesis and prognosis for this patient profile.