High expression of Foxp3, IL-23p19 and survivin mRNA in colorectal carcinoma

Introduction Cytokines have been suggested to both modulate anti-tumor responses and promote tumor growth. Materials and methods We analyzed the expression of pro-inflammatory IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-23p19, anti-inflammatory IL-10, antiapoptotic factor survivin, and transcription factors--RelA, c-Jun, and Foxp3 mRNA in patients' blood, colon carcinoma tissue, and in normal mucosal tissue by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The quantity determination of serum IL-12p40, IL-23, and IL-10 was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We observed significantly higher levels in patients for all three analyzed cytokines, with IL-23 concentration change being the highest. We detected the greatest upregulation of IL-23p19, Foxp3 and survivin mRNA in colorectal carcinomas than normal mucosa. A statistically significant upregulation of IL-12p40, IL-10, and c-Jun mRNA but not for IL-12p35 and RelA mRNA in tumor tissue comparing to normal tissue was also established. Conclusions In conclusion, we show a characteristic gene expression profile combining markers associated with inhibition of anti-tumor immune response (Foxp3, IL-10), inhibition of apoptosis (survivin), and induction of the cytokines with protumoral activity as IL-12p40 and IL-23p19 (IL-23) in the colorectal tumor tissue but not in peripheral blood of patients.