title: Analysis of the involvement of cytokines in allergy and breast cancer association.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The existence of a correlation between allergy disorders and cancer diseases has been confirmed by several epidemiological studies. Although the molecular mechanism involved in this phenomenon remains unknown, there are data indicating that certain cytokines, engaged in allergic processes, have antineoplastic activities. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between advanced breast cancer and allergic state on the molecular level.
  
  
  METHODS
  We determined and compared the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), cytokines known for antitumor properties, in the blood of advanced breast cancer patients and individuals with allergic diseases related to type 2 response. In addition, we performed an in vitro assay of reactivity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells after exogenous antigen stimulation. As a preliminary to molecular analysis we conducted a questionnaire study concerning the incidence of allergy among breast cancer patients and healthy subjects without malignancy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the survey study revealed a negative relation between breast cancer and allergy prevalence. Subsequent molecular analysis, however, did not show statistically significant differences in cytokines mRNA and protein expression levels between allergic patients and those with malignancy. The in vitro reactivity test also did not reveal marked differences between IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-6 production after PBMC triggering with exogenous antigen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that the studied cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-γ) are not engaged in breast cancer-allergy negative relation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
authors.forename: Małgorzata E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kowalczewska
authors.affiliation: Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, The Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brożyna
authors.affiliation: Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, The Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jóźwicki
authors.affiliation: Department of Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery, Oncology Center - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pławski
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, The Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Przybyszewski
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wrotek
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, The Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bartuzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology Faculty of Biology and Environment Protection Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
authors.forename: Wiesław
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kozak
keywords: allergy; breast cancer; cytokines; mRNA expression; peripheral blood mononuclear cells