THE IMPACT OF INFLAMMATORY AND ADIPOKINE BIOMARKERS ON BREAST CANCER PROGRESSION AND PATIENT OUTCOMES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of medicine, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq

2 Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustanseriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

3 Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques , College of Medical Technology, Al-farahidi Univerisity , Baghdad, Iraq

4 - Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Mazaya University College, Thi-Qar, Iraq - Thi-Qar Health Directorate, Al Habbobi Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq

Abstract

This case-control study investigated the association between inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers and breast cancer progression in 150 patients and 50 healthy controls aged 40–60 years. The results showed that IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and leptin levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients, while IL-10 showed no significant difference. IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were moderately correlated with disease severity, whereas IL-10 showed a weak association. IL-6 and MCP-1 levels also demonstrated a strong statistical association with survival outcomes, while TNF-α, IL-10, and leptin showed no significant impact. No notable changes were observed in biomarker levels over time. These findings reinforce the role of inflammation and lipid metabolism in breast cancer progression. The positive correlation of IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 with disease severity suggests their involvement in tumor microenvironment alterations and systemic inflammation. Moreover, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels were strongly linked to survival outcomes, highlighting their potential as prognostic biomarkers. These results align with prior studies linking adipokines to breast cancer risk, particularly in obesity-driven inflammation. In conclusion the study underscores the prognostic value of IL-6 and MCP-1 and suggests their potential utility in disease assessment and targeted therapy, offering insights into the interplay between chronic inflammation and breast cancer progression.

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