Inflammatory Patterns in the Prostate Gland and Serum Cytokine Activities in Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: Chronic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as (1L-6 and TNF-α) have been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis and metastasis. This study aims to evaluate serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α, and to determine their association with clinicopathological patterns of prostate cancer in affected patients.
Materials and Methods: Ninety (90) patients with histologically diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa), treated at the Urology Division of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria were involved in this study. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to assay cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), and serum PSA. Gleason Scores were categorized as well differentiated (GS of ≤ 6), moderately differentiated (GS = 7), and poorly differentiated (GS 8-10). Results were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20.0.  Pearson’s correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and Gleason Scores.
Results: The modal age group with PCa was 60-69 years. The mean age of patients was 68.788.26 years, and the mean serum PSA 93.2478pg/ml. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were 8.0pg/ml, 11.2pg/ml and (27.0±26.4pg/ml) respectively. Forty-six subjects had poorly differentiated PCa (GS 8-10); 17 moderately differentiated (GS 7); and 27 well differentiated (GS ≤ 6). Mean serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and PSA (113.1ng/ml) were raised and found highest in those with poorly differentiated PCa.
Conclusion: The observed correlation was positive but weak. The patients might have commenced undeclared anti-inflammatory drugs that depressed inflammation. However, a larger sample size would probably confirm the prognostic value of IL-6 and TNF-α in PCa subjects.