Analysis of type T1 and T2 cytokines in patients with prostate cancer

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Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proposed that a dysregulation in the balance between type T1 (IL-2, IFN-γ) and type T2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines may be implicated in the development of cancer. METHODS We determined the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes by flow cytometry in 12 patients with prostate cancer and in 7 healthy subjects. In addition to the basal expression of these cytokines, their expression was also determined, following stimulation of lymphocytes with PMA (phorbol 12-mystirate 13 acetate) and ionomycin. RESULTS The basal expression of cytokines was scarce, while following stimulation this increased markedly. On the other hand, there was a dysregulation in the balance between T1 and T2 lymphocytes in patients with prostate cancer. To this effect, in relation to healthy subjects, we observed an increase in IL-10 expression and a decrease in IL-2 expression. CONCLUSIONS The disequilibrium observed in the balance between type T1 and type T2 cytokines may be implicated in the evolution of neoplastic disease. Prostate 44:271–274, 2000.