Levels of peripheral Th17 cells and serum Th17-related cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Studies suggest that inflammation is involved in the colorectal cancer (CRC) pathology and symptoms. This study sought to quantitatively summarize the clinical cytokine data. Multiple reports have described the proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and serum levels of Th17-related cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). To clarify the status of Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines in CRC patients, we did a meta-analysis of the results published previously to quantitatively assess the levels of peripheral Th17 cells and serum Th17-related cytokines in patients with CRC. We searched PubMed, Embase, web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) systematically for studies reporting the proportion of Th17 cells and the serum levels of Th17-related cytokines (IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) in CRC patients. Studies measuring the proportion of Th17 cells and the serum levels of Th17related cytokines (IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) in CRC and healthy control subjects were included. Mean (standard deviation) proportion of Th17 cells and cytokine concentrations for CRC and control subjects were extracted. We assessed pooled data by using a random-effects model. We identified 1276 studies, of which 24 studies were included in the final meta-analytical processes. The quality was reliable according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (Case Control Studies). Compared with control subjects, CRC patients had a higher proportion of Th17 cells [2.37%, (0.53, 2.21)]; an elevated levels of serum IL-17A 1.11 pg./ml, 95%CI (0.16-2.07); an elevated levels of serum IL-6 3.42 pg/ml, 95%CI (3.14-3.70); an elevated levels of serum IL-22 1.32 pg/ml, 95%CI (0.94-1.70); an elevated levels of serum IL-23 0.16pg/ml, 95%CI(1.94-5.39). After sensitivity analysis, an elevated level of serum IL-17 was showed. The data showed that the proportion of Th17 cells in PB and levels of serum IL-17, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23 increased among CRC patients compared to control subjects. This result demonstrated that Th17 cells and Th17-related cytokines may be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of CRC.

Systemic interleukin 10 levels indicate advanced stages while interleukin 17A levels correlate with reduced survival in esophageal adenocarcinomas

“…IL-17 + cells seem to both bare anti-and pro-inflammatory properties [33,34]. An increase of systemic IL-22 + and IL-17 + cells in the progression of gastric carcinoma as well as in colorectal cancer has been reported [49,50]. Interestingly, systemic IL-17A was significantly decreased in EAC patients as compared to controls while systemic IL-22 didn't significantly differ between both groups.…”

IL-10 and IL-22 in Mucosal Immunity: Driving Protection and Pathology

“…In fact, elevated levels of peripheral Th17 cells and serum Th17-related cytokines have been reported in patients with colorectal cancer ( 124 ) while a “Th17 expression signature” has been observed in early colorectal cancer ( 125 ). It is well-known that IL-1β and IL-6 together with TGF-β can induce differentiation and development of Th17 cells ( 126 , 127 ).…”

Skin inflammatory response and efficacy of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (CUTACETUX)

“… 41 The increasing proportion of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and IL-17A, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23 levels in serum among CRC patients compared to control subjects were reported, but their association with treatment efficacy remains unknown. 42 In the CUTACETUX study, skin Th17 cytokines were not associated with the efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy. Skin CD4 + T cells were associated with shorter PFS.…”