Effect of hepatitis C virus infection on the circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-32 and IL-34 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients

Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The increased inflammatory response is a key driver for tumor progression and hence, it may worsen the NHL status, when associated with hepatitis like that occurring in HCV patients.
Aim of the work: This study aimed to assess the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-32α and IL-34 as potential inflammatory mediators in the group of NHL lymphoma with or without HCV.
Subjects and methods: A group of 25 NHL patients with HCV along with a group of 31 NHL patients without HCV were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of IL-22, IL-32α and IL-34 were assessed using ELISA assay.
Results: Serum levels of IL-22, IL-32α and IL-34 were significantly (p<0.001) elevated in NHL patients with HCV, compared to NHL patients without HCV.
Conclusion: HCV infection may be involved in the development and progression of NHL via increasing the circulating levels of IL-22, IL-32α and IL-34.