Association of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines with Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Cohort Study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to assess the association between inflammatory cytokines and the risk of gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods We conducted a case-cohort study using Korean National Cancer Center Community (KNCCC) cohort data to investigate the associations between pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and GC risk in the Korean general population (GC cases: n=159, subcohort: n=822). Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured using Quantikine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results Compared to those with the lowest serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, the risk of GC significantly increased in the second (hazard ratio [HR], 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73 to 6.99), third (HR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.91 to 7.29), and fourth quartiles (HR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.93 to 7.48). Elevated levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.21) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.73 to 3.58) were also associated with an increased risk of GC. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate associations between pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) and the risk of GC, suggesting that regulating these cytokine levels may aid in GC prevention.