Transforming Growth Factor-β, Interleukin-10, and Serological Markers in EBV-associated Gastric Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and gastric cancer (GC) has been reported by many researchers. Immunosuppressive cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), play an important role in the tumor process. The aim of the present study was to detect antibodies against EBV and explore the levels of TGFβ and IL-10 in Polish GC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with GC and 50 hospitalized individuals without GC (control group) were enrolled in the study. Frozen tumor tissue fragments were tested using nested PCR assay for EBV DNA detection. ELISA test was used to detect the presence of anti-VCA IgG, anti-EBNA IgG, anti-EA IgG, TGFβ and Il-10 in sera from all individuals.

RESULTS: EBVCA was detected in 88.0%, EBNA in 90.0%, and EA in 72.0% of patients. Levels of TGFβ and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with high levels of anti-EA antibodies (25.4 ng/ml; 7.8 pg/ml) compared to patients with low levels of anti-EA antibodies (12.61 ng/ml; 4.29 pg/ml).

CONCLUSION: The significantly higher level of EA in patients' sera indicates EBV reactivation. TGFβ level was significantly higher in GC than in the control group, especially in EA-positive patients, indicating its possible role in gastric carcinogenesis.