Neoplasma Vol.56, No.2, p.96-100, 2009

The involvement of neutrophils (PMNs) in the neoplastic process and scarce evidence for the role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) family cytokines in these reactions encouraged us to undertake a study in this field. We assessed the expression and capability of neutrophils in patients with oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma to release IL-17E and IL-17A in relation to their serum levels and expression of the specific receptors, i.e. IL-17R and IL-17BR. For the sake of comparison, the expressions of the proteins examined were assessed in autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The levels were determined in the patients prior to treatment, taking into consideration the stage of the disease according to TNM classification.

Western blot analysis revealed no differences in the expressions of IL-17E and IL-17A either in PMNs or PBMCs of the patients as compared to the healthy subjects. However, the expressions of IL-17BR and IL-17R were found to be higher in both groups of cells in cancer patients as compared to the control. The use of ELISA method revealed that the levels of IL-17E and IL-17A were higher in cell supernatants and blood serum of the patients than of the healthy subjects. No differences were noted in the protein expression in the cells or concentration in supernatants of the patients with different stages of the disease.

Our findings as well as observations reported by other authors seem to indicate some new aspects of the biological role of IL-17 family cytokines, not only as markers of the inflammatory process but also as indicators of leukocyte activity in IL-17A and IL-17E-dependent reactions in patients with oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma.