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The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between the cytokine profile of supernatants of invasive breast carcinoma of a nonspecific type (IBC-NST) samples, histopathological and molecular genetic parameters of IBC-NST, expression of the CD34 as a marker of angiogenesis and metastasis to regional lymph nodes (RLN).Material and Methods. The production of 14 cytokines in IBC-NST biopsy samples from 28 patients aged 37–60 years was studied. The concentration of cytokines in the supernatants of biopsies (CCSB) was determined (in pg/ml) using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The expression of CD34 and markers of IBC-NST molecular subtypes (HER2/neu, ER, PR, Ki67) in IBC-NST biopsy samples was evaluated by immunohistochemical method. The relative content of tumor cells of different differentiation grade in the IBC- NST samples was evaluated by histopathological analysis.Results. The assessment of CCSB showed statistically significant differences in IFN-γ, G-CSF, IL-2, IL-10 and MCP-1 between patients of group I (with metastases in RLNs) and group II (without metastases in RLNs). In group I, the correlations between histopathological parameters (Her2/neu, CD34 and Ki67 expressions, % of mitoses and poorly-differentiated cancer cells) and CCSB (MCP-1, IL-18) were revealed. In group II, the correlations between CCSB (IL-2, VEGF-A, G-CSF, IL-1Ra) and histopathological parameters, such as expression of Her2/neu, CD34, PR, % of mitoses and well-differentiated cancer cells, were revealed. The ROC analysis showed that the presence or absence of metastases in RLNs can be predicted on the basis of CD34 expression levels and concentrations of IL-10, G-CSF, and MCP-1 in supernatants of IBC-NST biopsy samples. The quality of the model for stratifying patients into groups with and without RLN metastases, based on the assessment of the concentration of MCP-1 in the supernatants of IBC-NST biopsies, reached maximum values (AUC=1.000) with relatively high CD34 expression.Conclusion. The analysis of the data obtained showed that the assessment of CD34 expression and production of cytokines in IBC-NST biopsies is important for predicting the presence or absence of metastases in RLNs.

Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is currently an important clinical problem in the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recent studies suggested that aberrant cytokine secretion may be among the BCR/ABL-independent mechanisms of resistance, thus contributing to the persistence of leukemic stem cells in spite of continuous targeted therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate concentration of cytokines in the serum of patients with CML depending on the efficiency of therapy.Quantitative determination of the cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IFNα and VEGF) in blood serum of patients with chronic-phase CML (n = 84) and healthy subjects (n = 30) was performed using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The patients with CML were divided into 3 groups depending on the duration of therapy: group I, newly diagnosed patients (n = 10); group II, patients receiving therapy for < 12 months (n = 10); group III included patients receiving therapy for more than 12 months (n = 64).The results of our study showed that cytokine concentration among CML patients significantly differed, depending on the duration of therapy. Significantly higher concentration of IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, IL-2 and TNFα was found in group I compared with control group. Group II patients also demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 and IFNα by comparison with control group, as well as higher concentration of IFNα compared with in groups I and III. In group III, concentrations of IL-17, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 were significantly higher than in control group. When compared with group I, it was found that concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-18 were significantly lower. A direct correlation was found between expression levels of chimeric BCR/ABL gene, (a marker of CML malignancy), and concentrations of IL-1β and IL-17. ROC-analysis demonstrated high-quality models which showed an association between achievement of major molecular response (MMR) and low serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17.Hence, the results of our study have shown that determination of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations may be a prognostic marker for assessing the efficiency of therapy and probability of achieving MMR in CML.

Breast tumors show a complex structure and are highly heterogeneous. The study of cytokines, which exert great influence on tumor cells, and microRNAs, which, along with their influence on the proliferation and migration of neoplastic cells, may affect the work of cytokines, will contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological processes occurring in breast cancer. The aim of our work was to analyze the relationship of cytokine production with expression of miR-181a and miR-25in patients with invasive breast carcinoma of a non-specific type (IBC NST) with various molecular subtypes.Patients with IBC NST were divided into five subgroups according to the molecular genetics subtype of the tumor classified by immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and proliferation marker Ki-67. Using enzyme immunoassay, the concentration of 14 cytokines was determined in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells and tumors: IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1. The expression of miR-181a and miR-25 microRNAs isolated from the patients’ blood serum was evaluated using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR).In the luminal A subtype, cytokine concentrations and expression of miR-181a and miR-25 are significantly lower compared to other subtypes. Patients with the luminal B HER2-negative subtype were characterized by significantly increased expression of both studied microRNAs, especially when compared with the luminal A subtype. At the same time, patients with a triple negative molecular subtype, on the contrary, were characterized by high concentrations of cytokines in the supernatants of tumor samples and blood cells compared to other subtypes. In the general group of patients with IBC NST, direct correlations were found between the expression of both studied microRNAs and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant of tumor samples, which may presume mutual interactions existing between miR-181a and miR-25, and the process of angiogenesis in the tumor.The levels of cytokines in blood supernatants and tumors in invasive breast carcinoma may vary, depending on distinct molecular subtypes of the tumor. Moreover, they also have direct links with the levels of miR-181a and miR-25 in blood serum. Particularly noteworthy were the results of measuring the cytokines and microRNAs concentrations in luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative and triple negative molecular subtypes.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with breast cancer (BC). It is known that the lesion of regional lymph nodes by tumor cells is more common in tumors with higher proliferative activity. Moreover, there is literature evidence on effects of cytokines and proteins upon the migration potential of the tumor. The aim of our work was to study the correlation between the concentrations of cytokines, proteins, and expression of Ki-67 proliferation marker in breast cancer with histology of non-specific invasive carcinoma.On the basis of pathological findings, 16 patients had metastases in regional lymph nodes (group I), and 18 patients had no detectable metastases (group II). Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was used to determine concentrations of 14 cytokines in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells, i.e., IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1, and concentrations of 6 proteins were determined in blood serum: estrogen and progesterone receptors, cadherin-E (CDH1), plasminogen activator type 1 (PAI-1), mucin 1 (MUC1), heat shock protein 90αA1 (HSP90αA1). Immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 expression was performed in paraffin sections of tumors using monoclonal antibodies.The study showed that Ki-67 expression in tumor tissues and blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNFα were higher in group I patients. On the contrary, blood concentrations of CDH1 and PAI-1 were higher in group II patients. It was found that Ki-67 showed both inverse correlations with CDH1 and PAI1, and direct correlations with IL-8 and TNFα. CDH1 had a direct correlation with PAI1, and inverse correlations with IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα. The studied cytokines showed direct correlations with each other. The analysis of ROC curves showed good quality and optimal values of the cut-off points for Ki-67 expression, cytokine and protein concentrations, thus allowing best prediction for detectable lymphatic metastasis.On the basis of these results, a quotient was proposed, which represents a ratio of CDH1 contents to the sum of IL-1β and TNFα concentrations in blood samples, which can help identification of the patients with breast cancer at risk for lymphatic metastasis.

This article is the second communication in a series of articles devoted to the effects of a domestic preparation of macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF-RF) and assessment of its biological properties. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the GcMAF-RF upon M0 → M1 polarization of macrophages (Mph), and activation of the professional properties of ex vivo generated antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DC), as well as on ex vivo production of pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ, IL-17, IL-18) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10) cytokines, growth factors (IL-2, GM-CSF, G-CSF, VEGF) and chemokines (MCP, IL-8) by the whole blood cells from healthy donors. Mph and DC were generated from the monocytes (3 to 5×106 /ml) derived from adherent fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of healthy donors. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was used to obtain Mph, whereas DC production was induced by GM-CSF and interferon-α. To provide M1 polarizing signals, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS from E. coli 0114:B4) was used in controls. In experimental series, GcMAF-RF was added 48 h before the end of culture. The stimulating effect of the obtained Mph and DC upon cell proliferation was assessed in allogeneic mixed culture of leukocytes (alloMLC) using radiometric technique, by 3 H-thymidine incorporation. The influence index (IR) of Mph or DC upon allo-SCL was calculated as the ratio of the proliferative response of MNCs in the presence of Mph, or DC to the level of spontaneous MNC proliferation. To determine the cytokine production by human whole blood cells ex vivo, peripheral blood samples from 3 donors with two replicate GcMAF-RF preparations were used, at a total of 6 points. All variants of the study were carried out with mitogen-activated and non-activated blood cells. The cytokine content was determined by the ELISA assays. The effects of GcMAF-RF were quantified as a fold increase (FI), i.e., the ratio of cytokine production in the presence of GcMAF-RF to the level of their spontaneous production. It was shown that the GcMAF-RF preparation was as effective, as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the standard Mph and DC activator which induces polarization of differentiated M0-macrophages into M1 cells and final maturation of DCs, manifesting by a significant increase in their allo-stimulatory activity in a mixed leukocyte culture (allo-MLC). Moreover, GcMAF-RF stimulates production of numerous cytokines and chemokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-4, IL-10, GM-CSF, G-CSF, VEGF, IL-8), by blood cells (granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes), thus indicating direct participation of the macrophage activator GcMAF-RF in various immune processes. The domestic GcMAF-RF drug induces polarization of macrophages M0 → M1, final maturation of DCs and allostimulating activity of Mf and DCs, and is also able to effectively stimulate circulating blood cells to synthesize cytokines/chemokines with pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate production of cytokines by the blood immune cells in patients of different age groups with invasive non-specified type mammary ductal carcinoma, with or without metastases. Production of cytokines by periphery blood immunocompetent cells, either spontaneous and stimulated with polyclonal activators, was assessed in 82 patients with invasive mammary ductal carcinoma. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1p, IL-1ra, TNFa, IFNy, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF и MCP-1 were determined by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients were divided into 2 age groups: the first group consisted of 48 patients from 45 to 60 years old; the second group consisted of 34 older patients (61 to 75 years old). Metastases in local lymph nodes were documented in twenty patients from the first group and nine patients from the second group. The younger patients (45-60 years old) with metastases in local lymph nodes showed higher polyclonal activation index of IL-4 and IL-1ra production, when compared to the patients without lymphatic metastases. As for the older patients (61 to 75 years old), their polyclonal activation index of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ra, G-CFS, GM-CSF production was significantly lower in cases of local lymph nodes metastases. The latter was due to higher level of spontaneous production, which suppressed the influence of polyclonal activators. The index of polyclonal activation upon production of cytokines in patients with lymphatic metastases was shown to be significantly higher for the age group of 45 to 60 years than in the age group of 61 to 75 years old. This fact suggested a highly stimulating effect of polyclonal activators in patients younger than 60 years. It was found that correlation between the index of polyclonal activation of cytokine production, and the indexes of ER, PR, HER2/NEU and Ki-67 receptor expression, which are used for the determination of molecular genetic subtype of the tumor, differ significantly for the distinct age groups.

Investigation of the cytokine expression dynamics as well as the cytokine-producing potential of immune-competent cells allows extensive studies of their functional characteristics. mRNAs encoding a number of cytokine genes are relatively stable, thus their level may be used as a marker for assessing the levels of activation and proliferation of immunocompetent cells as well as for evaluating the cytokine-producing potential of immunocompetent cells.In our work, we assessed correlations between the levels of mRNA expression specific for IL-10, TNF-α, GM-CSF cytokines determined in a culture of differentiated macrophage U937 cells, and protein concentrations of the same cytokines as measured in supernates of U937 cell cultures, without and after exposure to polyclonal activators. The IL-10, TNF-α, GM-CSF mRNA expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein concentrations of IL-10, TNF-α, GM-CSF cytokines in the culture supernatant of U937 cells were measured by an enzyme immunoassay. The use of an initially homogeneous cell culture in the study is convenient due to the identical conditions in all experimental variants.The most pronounced effect of polyclonal activators is exerted upon production of GM-CSF mRNA, as well as protein concentration of this cytokine in the cell culture supernatants, thus actually coinciding with RT-qPCR results. The TNF-α mRNA level decreased under the influence of polyclonal activators, whereas concentration of this cytokine was decreased in the cell supernate. The TNF-α protein in a culture medium did not reflect temporal changes in the cellular TNF-α mRNA expression, probably, due to potential decrease of cellular mRNA occurring by the feedback inhibitory mechanism. While the cytokines can accumulate and remain in the supernatant, the mRNA-related events leading to cytokine formation may be completed earlier. Therefore, the signalling pathways and cytokine release kinetics should be studied after establishing the time dependence at short time intervals, which may be individual for each cytokine.Thus, the results of a study using polyclonal activators suggest that polyclonal activators applied as mitogens, have a significant effect upon the concentration of secreted IL-10, TNFα and GM-CSF. In this case, polyclonal activators affect the levels of mRNA encoded by cytokine genes, thus indicating transcriptional mechanisms of its action. But, in view of the fact that the data are ambiguous, in order to achieve greater correspondence between the changes in the studied proteins and specific mRNAs, a detailed description of the time dependence is required for the changes in mRNA contents.

We performed clinical observations and laboratory examination of 22 patients with chronic pyelonephritis (chronic renal failure, CRF) and 30 healthy individuals. The patients with CRF were examined twice. The first group (Group I) included patients with exacerbation of the disease. The comparison series (Group II) was represented by the same patients who were examined 1.5-3 months after completion of treatment, without clinical exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis (CPN). Laboratory signs of acute renal damage were not detectable in all the patients examined. Concentrations of VEGF, MCP-1, IL-8 and IL-18 were determined in urine samples of all examined persons by ELISA technique. Protein spectrum of urine was assessed in six patients from Group I, and in six cases of Group II by means of mass spectrometry, using Agilent 1100 chromatographic device, and LTQ-FT Ultra hybrid mass spectrometer. The results of parallel determination of urine proteins by the two methods have shown that the evolving CPN exacerbation is associated with local secondary immune deficiency at the level of renal tubular urothelium. Determination of urine proteome by means of mass spectrometry in exacerbating disease allows identify the proteins associated with damage to epithelial lining of renal tubules and development of local immune response.

At present, only ductal carcinoma in situ is included into the group of precancerous lesions of mammary ducts, according to International Agency for the Study of Cancer. However, based on recent publications, in addition to ductal carcinoma in situ, sclerosing adenosis, intraductal proliferative lesions and radial scar may be also attributed to precancerous changes. A variety of both benign and malignant events in mammary gland, the features of neoplastic growth and age of the patients require new approaches to study of carcinogenic events in mammary gland. As based on the known role of cytokines in genesis of malignancies, the aim of the study was to evaluate the cytokine-producing resource of immunocompetent blood cells in malignant, benign and precancerous mammary disorders. To assess the cytokine-producing resource of immunocompetent blood cells in the patients, we studied quantitative effects of polyclonal activators upon production of cytokines by immunocompetent blood cells of patients with invasive ductal cancer representing a histological type of adenocarcinoma (group I), and patients with non-malignant breast neoplasias (group II). At subsequent step, the patients with non-malignant neoplasms of the breast were divided into a subgroup of patients with only fibroadenoma and mastopathy (group III), and a group which included patients with precancerous diseases, i.e., sclerosing adenosis and interductal proliferates (group IV). Concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, and MCP-1 were determined by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. When comparing groups I and II, we revealed higher influence of polyclonal activators upon production of G-CSF and GM-CSF in patients with invasive ductal cancer. When comparing the influence of polyclonal activation for cytokine production in patients of I and III groups, higher values were registered in patients with invasive ductal cancer (production of IL-2, G-CSF, and GM-CSF), and in patients with fibroadenoma and mastopathy (IL-18, and TNFαproduction). When comparing patients of groups I and IV, higher indexes of the polyclonal activator effects were found only for IL-1ra, G-CSF, and VEGF production in invasive ductal cancer. When comparing the indexes of polyclonal activator influence upon cytokine production of groups III and IV, higher values were obtained in patients with benign changes for the following cytokines: IL-8, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra and TNFα, in contrast to patients with sclerosing adenosis and proliferates. The lower indexes of polyclonal activating effects upon the production of a number of cytokines in patients with precancerous changes, as compared to patients with malignant and benign breast tumors, do not indicate a decreased functional activity of immunocompetent blood cells. However, those may be due to high level of spontaneous cytokine production in sclerosing adenosis and interductal proliferates.

Aim. Investigation of the influence of canceroembryonic antigen (CEA) on the immune cells in patients with breast tumors.Materials and methods. Peripheral blood of 67 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 44), fibroadenoma (n = 12) and breast pre-cancer (n = 11). In the supernatants of the blood cells cytokine production induced by CEA was determined by ELISA.Results. It was found that CEA stimulated production of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, TNFα, G-CSF, GM-CSF and the protein MCP-1 by blood immune cells in patients with fibroadenoma compared with groups of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma and precancerous lesions. Stimulation index of CEA on cytokine production by immunocompetent cells in patients in these groups was lower than in groups of patients with fibroadenoma due to initially high levels of spontaneous cytokine production.Results. In patients with fibroadenoma CEA was found to stimulate the production of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, TNFa, G-CSF, GM-CSF and MCP-1 compared with groups of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma and precancerous conditions. Indexes of the influence of CEA on cytokine production by immunocompetent cells in these groups was lower than in the fibroadenoma due to initially high spontaneous production of cytokines.Conclusion. Evident spontaneous cytokine-producing function of immunocompetent blood cells was revealed in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma and precancerous conditions compared to patients with fibroadenoma. The differences between the indices of CEA influence on cytokine production in patients with malignant, benign and precancerous conditions can serve as a basis for the development of methods of differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

One of the most important properties of extracellular double-stranded DNA related to the treatment of various diseases is its ability to activate effector cells of the immune system (anti-tumor and vaccinal immunity) through dendritic cells (DCs). The stimulatory effect of DNA on DCs is mediated by the TLR9 signaling pathway and/or through a system of cytosolic sensors and is manifested by increased expression of MHC class II antigens and costimulatory molecules and by increased synthesis of immunoregulatory cytokines. In this work, the expression of cytokines, differentiation antigens and transcription factor genes has been investigated in DCs activated by double-stranded human DNA (i) without any additional factors, (ii) using a lipophilic agent, and (iii) by blocking TLR9 with chloroquine. Evaluation of the DNA effect was carried out after the 6- and 24-hour exposure. It was found that the preparation of double-stranded DNA transfected by Lipofectamine 2000 boosts DCs at the same level as Poly(dA : dT), a synthetic equivalent of double-stranded DNA. It was discovered that combined application of DNA and chloroquine enhances expression of the IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL­8, МСР1, VEGF, CD25, and CD83 genes by hour 24 of incubation. It was for the first time shown that genomic “self” double-stranded DNA as a mono agent activates mRNA synthesis of cytokines IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL­8, IL­10, and VEGF in DCs at 6 hours of induction.

It is known that a relationship exists between patient’s age and pathogenesis of malignant tumors associated with ability of tumor and its microenvironment to secrete cytokines that may play an important role in carcinogenesis. The aim of present study was a comparative analysis of cytokine production by peripheral blood cells and tumor samples when exposed to polyclonal activators (PA) in patients of different age groups with invasive ductal carcinoma. Peripheral blood samples of 54 women with invasive ductal carcinoma were under study. The patients were divided into the following groups: I, 40-60 years old; II, 61 year and older. Metastases into lymph nodes were revealed at the moment of study in 13 patients (42%) from group I. By contrast, only 3 of 23 (10%) patients with metastases were revealed in group II. Fisher’s ratio test showed significant differences between occurrence of metastases in lymph nodes, and patient age (p = 0.034). In both groups of patients, there was an increase of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1ra, G-CSF, GM-CSF and VEGF concentrations in tumor supernates and its microenvironment, when compared with the production of cytokines by blood cells, thus indicating to high functional activity of tumor together with its microenvironment. Effect of PA led to increase of IL-2, IL-10, IL-17, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα and IFNγ concentrations in blood cells supernatant which suggested their high ability to produce cytokines. In the group of patients who were 40-60 years old, the stimulatory index of PA (SIPA) for IFNγ production was several times higher than similar index in patients aged 61 years or more. Increase of SIPA for all cytokines in blood cells supernates, in comparison to SIPA of tumor supernates, could be explained by initially high levels of spontaneous cytokine production by the tumor and its microenvironment that are able to promote tumor growth. Therefore, effect of PA upon tumor tissue was not so expressed as its effect upon immunocompetent blood cells. Both tumor and microenvironment maintained high ability of IL-18 production, thus confirming its important role in carcinogenesis. In summary, these findings suggest that circulating immunocompetent cells may serve as an additional factor providing tumor progression, due to their high ability to secrete cytokines.

The aim of the study was to investigate a relationship between cytokine-producing reserve of invasive ductal cancer cells and its microenvironment, and cytokine-producing reserve of immunocompetent blood cells (IBC), as well as with histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of breast cancer. Using ELISA method we investigated the spontaneous and stimulated with polyclonal activators (PA) cytokine-producing reserve of IBC and biopsy specimens from invasive ductal cancer (adenocarcinoma) in 34 women. Appropriate values were expressed by the Influence Index of polyclonal activators (IIPA) upon cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF-A, MCP-1). In tumor biopsies, we studied expression of VEGF-A, estrogen receptor, progesteron receptor and pro-proliferation marker Ki-67 by means of immunohistochemical method. Activation values of blood IBC in most cases, except of IL-18, IL-1β and MCP-1, were higher than appropriate effects upon cytokine production by tumor tisuues. Meanwhile, the IIPA activation index upon IL-18 (a proinflammatory and prooncogene cytokine) production by tumor cells and its microenvironment proved to be elevated, as compared to appropriate IIPA by the blood IBC. Statistical studies showed a direct correlation between IIPA and cytokine production in tumor supernates, IIPA of VEGF-A expression in tumor tissue, with pathohistological parameters and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and Ki-67 proliferation marker. A high positive correlation was obtained between IIPA TNFα production by the tumor tissue, and degree of tumor vascularization.We have revealed a negative correlation between IIPA for IL-6, MCP-1 and Ki-67 marker of cell proliferation. A direct correlation was found between IIPA values for IL-1ra/IL-1β production ratios in blood cells, and IIPA for VEGF-A expression in adenocarcinoma tissues, thus indicating to probable connections between IL-1ra production by IBC and VEGF-A expression. We have discerned several intersecting, diverging, and even circle-closed correlative chains of correlation, e.g.: VEGF-A (immunohistochemical marker of IIPA expression) – IL-10 and IL-8 (IIPA for supernate products); MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10 (IIPA for supernate products)– VEGF-A (immunohistochemical indicator of expression for IIPA). The results of this study suggest a relationship between cytokine-producing reserves of the tumor identified by appropriate PA correlations with the processes occurring in malignant tumors, as assessed by histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters. The data are indicative for some complex mechanisms mediated by cytokines which provide invasive growth of malignant tumor.

The aim of present study was to investigate relationships between cytokine-producing potential of immunocompetent blood cells (ICC), and expression of heparanase-1 in stomach adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Cytokine-producing potential of ICC, both spontaneous and induced by polyclonal activators, was studied in peripheral blood of thirty-two patients with adenomas and thirty-six patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Appropriate values were expressed as an influence index of polyclonal activators (IIPA) upon the cytokine production. In subjects with gastric adenomas, the IIPA indexes based on IL-1ra, ТNFα, IL- 18, and IFNγ production proved to exceed similar parameters for the patients with adenocarcinomas. Expression of heparanase-1 in epithelium of adenomas varied from 0.27 to 3.00. Similar values for adenomatous stroma varied between 2.27 and 11.48. Meanwhile, the variation limits for heparanase-1 expression in adenocarcinomas (as percentage of specifically stained area) were quite considerable (1.79 to 14.26), due to inclusion of adenocarcinomas at variable differentiation stages. Indexes of heparanase-1 expression were shown to be in direct correlation with numbers of regional lymph node metastases. Multivariate analysis revealed a canonical correlation between the levels of heparanase-1 expression in adenomatous epithelium, and IIPA effects upon production of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as with effects of IIPA upon production of IL-18, IL-18BP, and IL-8. A canonical correlation was also noted between the heparanase-1 expression in stroma of adenomas, and IIPA upon IL-1ra, TNFα, IL-18 production. The data suggest an involvement of molecular and cellular mechanisms, mediated by cytokines and heparanase-1, thus providing a common vector promoting tumor progression.

We studied biological effects of Human Leukemia Differentiation Factor (HLDF), first derived from the cultural media of human myelogenous HL-60 leukemia cells, on the production of IL-1β, IL-1ra and IL-8 by immune cells from the patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the stomach. To evaluate the influence of HLDF on cytokine-producing function of the whole blood cells, the latter were incubated with this factor or without it. The levels of IL-1β, IL-1ra and IL-8 were determined in supernates of these cells. The stimulation indices of HLDF upon cytokine production were estimated as a cytokine production ratio of stimulated versus resting cells. Histological analysis of gastric mucous tissue samples and removed tumors was also performed. It was revealed that, in chronic atrophic gastritis, HLDF significantly increased IL-1ra and IL-8production. In patients with stomach adenomas and adenocarcinomas, HLDF increased IL-1ra, IL-8 and IL-1β production. In cases of stomach adenomas, the indices of HLDF stimulation upon blood cells cytokine production are significant higher than in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. Interdependence study between the stimulation indices of HLDF and histological parameters of gastric mucosa and tumor samples have shown a negative correlations between the stimulation index of HLDF upon IL-1ra production and the grade of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of the adenoma epithelium, and a positive correlation between the stimulation index of HLDF on IL-8 production and the intensity of lymphoid infiltration of the adenomas. In patients with gastric adenocarcinomas, a positive correlation between the stimulation index of HLDF on IL-8 production and number of blood vessels with tumor embolus was revealed. One may presume that immune cells activation caused by HLDF may exert following actions: (1) triggering some processes of chronic inflammation that underly malignancy development, and (2) the mechanisms restricting the disturbances of epithelial regeneration. Finally, the results of HLDF effects depend on balance between proand antioncogenic cytokines produced by immune cells.

Antibodies to leukemia differentiation factor (HLDF) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer Abstract. Patients with gastric cancer exhibit higher levels of IgG4-antibodies to human leukemia differentiation factor (HLDF), as compared with healthy individuals, whereas, in patients with colorectal cancer, one may detect high levels of IgA anti-HDLF antibodies, along with lower levels of IgG1 class antibodies against HLDF than in control group. Among patients with gastrointestinal cancer, a positive correlation is revealed between contents of highly differentiated cells in the tumor, and IgM antibodies to HDLF. Meanwhile, a reverse relationship is noted between low differentiation of tumor cells and levels of IgG2 antibodies to HDLF in gastric cancer patients, or IgG3 antibodies to HDLF in patients with colorectal cancer.

The patients with gastrointestinal cancer exhibit high contents of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IFNγ, IL-1Ra and increased levels of anti-IFNα antibodies. Significant correlations are detected between histopathological parameters of the tumors, and the levels of TNFα, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IFNα, IFNγ, as well as antibodies against TNFα и IFNα. Moreover, we have determined diagnostically significant levels of cytokines and their combinations. On the basis of estimated diagnostic values, one may evaluate both current status of the tumor, as well as its potential malignancy grade.

Abstract. In vitro response of blood mononuclear cells to cancer-associated antigens was studied in women with genital pathology, and these results were compared with serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors of immunity, like as with histological features of genital cancer and cervical epithelial dysplasia. In vitro cellular response was regarded as positive, if relative amounts of CD8-positive lymphocytes increased by > 15% following incubation of blood mononuclears with cancer-associated antigens. Positive reaction and elevated serum levels of anti-TNFα and anti-IFNγ antibodies were associated with lesser malignancy of tumor, as proven by histological findings in the women with genital cancer. A positive cellular reaction was associated with increased serum levels of IFNγ and anti-TNFα in women with grade II–III cervical epithelial dysplasia. It is concluded about potential applicability of testing mononuclears with fetal proteins, to determine a grade of malignancy for the female genital tumors, as well as a degree of regenerative disturbances of cervical epithelium.

Аbstract. The aim of present study was to investigate an influence of polyclonal activators upon cytokine-producing function of peripheral blood cells in the patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas. It was revealed that the stimulated production of IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-17, IL-18 and IFNγ by whole blood cells treated with polyclonal activators was significantly decreased in colorectal cancer patients, as compared to healthy individuals. The stimulated IL-1ra and IL-17 production was depressed during the tumor progression, along with increased release of TNFα and IL-8. It was found that the stimulation index of polyclonal activators upon production of IL-17 by whole blood cells (i.e., a cytokine production ratio of stimulated versus resting cells) may be used as a reliable pre-surgery predictor of tumor invasion, the latter being an important histopathological parameter for clinical oncologists. (Med. Immunol., 2011, vol. 13, N 2-3, pp 197-204

Abstract. Cytokine-producing potential of peripheral blood cells was determined as a stimulation index with polyclonal activators (i.e., a cytokine production ratio of stimulated versus resting cells), as well as concentrations of cytokines were investigated in blood serum of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. It was revealed that the stimulation indices concerning production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 by whole blood cells, along with serum concentrations of IL-8 and IL-18BP were increased in patients with epithelial dysplasia of stomach mucosa, as compared to patients without dysplasia. It was sahown, that the patients with higher polyclonal stimulation indices for IL-6 and IL-8 (resp., > 164 and > 38 arbitrary units) should be referred to a high-risk group for development of mucous epithelial dysplasia of stomach.