TGF-β1 and IL-10 expression in epithelial ovarian cancer cell line A2780

Purpose: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among gynaecological malignancies. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are cytokines in the tumour microenvironment and may play critical roles in immune suppression. This study highlights these roles and immunosuppressive functions in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods: TGF-β1 and IL-10 expression was compared in malignant, benign, and borderline cancerous tissues and tumour-free tissue by immunohistochemistry. Relationships among the levels of these cytokines, correlation of expression level with EOC prognosis, and cytokine involvement in immunosuppression were investigated.
Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of TGF-β1 and IL-10 in epithelial cells showed the presence of epithelial, borderline, and benign ovarian tumour growth, and normal ovarian growth. TGF-β1 (P = 0.121), residual tumour after surgery (P = 0.231) and standard chemotherapy (P = 0.121) were prognostic factors for EOC. There were no significant differences in clinicopathologic factors between specimens expressing TGF-β1 at low and high levels, indicating that TGF-β1 is an independent factor in EOC diagnosis. Higher concentrations of TGF-β1 (1754.690 ± 3416.487 pg/ml) and IL-10 (2731.7101 ± 6.1613 pg/ml) were observed in A2780-conditioned than in control medium.
Conclusion: TGF-β1 and IL-10 play pivotal roles in EOC and can lead to immune evasion. Targeting these cytokines for tumour treatment, specifically at early stages, may prevent tumour progression.