Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

2 Molecular Pathology and Cytogenetics Division, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

3 Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.

4 Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, 3552, Australia.

5 Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and brain stromal cells produce immunosuppressive cytokines, contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine and a natural modulator of the innate and adaptive immune system. However, its biological roles in brain tumors are not well defined.
Objective: To assess the serum levels of IL-38 and the percentages of TILs in the tumor tissues of patients with primary brain tumors and to determine their associations with the pathological features of the disease.
Methods: IL-38 was evaluated in sera using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections were scored to determine the percentages of TILs in four different areas: the invasive margin, central tumor, perivascular and perinecrotic areas.
Results: IL-38 serum levels were significantly higher in low- and high-grade tumors than in healthy individuals, meanwhile, its levels remained consistent between these two grades. Although no significant difference was found in IL-38 serum levels between different histological subtypes of brain tumors, its levels were significantly higher in intra-axial brain tumors than in extra-axial ones. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum levels of IL-38 and tumor size in patients with low-grade tumors. TILs were detected in at least one of the four examined areas; however, no statistically significant correlation was found between IL-38 levels and TILs.
Conclusion: Our data may suggest a connection between IL-38 and immune suppression and tumor progression in primary brain tumors. Further investigation is needed to uncover the role of IL-38 in the brain tumor microenvironment.

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