Proinflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines Mediated by NF-κB Factor as Prognostic Markers in Mammary Tumors
Inflammation results in the production of cytokines, such as interleukin- (IL-) 4 and IL-10 with immunosuppressive properties or IL-6 and TNF-αwith procarcinogenic activity. Furthermore, NF-κB is the major link between inflammation and tumorigenesis. This study verified the interaction between active inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and serum of female dogs with mammary tumors and their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. Measurement of gene expression was performed by qPCR and protein levels by ELISA/Luminex. High gene and protein expression levels of NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-αwere found in association with characteristics that reflect worse prognosis and a negative correlation between TNF-αprotein expression and survival time was observed (p<0.05). In contrast, high gene and protein expression levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were associated with characteristics of better prognosis and an increased level of IL-4 and a longer survival time of animals were obtained (p<0.05). In addition, there was a positive correlation between TNF-αand IL-6 expression in association with NF-κB. The results show a significant correlation of these cytokines with tumor development, associated with NF-κB expression and cytokines promodulation, showing that these biological factors could be used as predictive and prognostic markers in breast cancer.