The relationship between serum IgE level and IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy of the digestive system in the world. The immune system is one main constituent of the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of the immune system components that are involved in cancer development has an important role in the detection of novel biomarkers for prognosis, treatment monitoring, and the development of immune-based therapies. This study investigated the serum IgE levels and expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in the tissue and serum of CRC patients and explored their possible association with pathological and clinical factors. Materials and Methods: 36 patients with CRC and 36 healthy individuals were involved in the study. Tissue and blood samples were collected. Serum levels of IgE and IL-4 and IL-13 were analyzed using the ELISA method. The quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) technique was used to assess the expression levels of the cytokines in CRC tissue samples in comparison with the adjacent control tissue. Results: Our results revealed that the serum level of IL-4 and IL-13 and also their gene expression levels were significantly decreased in CRC patients compared to the controls. Although the serum level of IgE was reduced in patients compared to the control group, it was not significant. Conclusion: These results indicated that IL-4 and IL-13 levels and serum levels of IgE may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.