IL6 Shapes an Inflammatory Microenvironment and Triggers the Development of Unique Types of Cancer in End-stage Kidney

Abstract

Background/aim: Chronic inflammation in end-stage kidney is associated with the development of pre-neoplastic lesions and renal cell tumors. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the inflammatory microenvironment in this process.

Materials and methods: We used representative microscopic slides from 11 end stage-kidneys containing pre-neoplastic lesions and tumors and applied immunohistochemistry to detect IL-6, SAA1 and LBP expression. We also applied array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis to detect genomic changes in tumor cells.

Results: We identified strong expression of IL6, LBP and SAA1 in activated stromal fibroblasts, in proliferating epithelial and tumor cells. Array CGH detected unusual genomic changes in tumor cells.

Conclusion: Our data indicate that expression of IL6, acute phase protein SAA1 and LBP maintain a long-lasting inflammatory microenvironment that leads to remodeling of end-stage kidneys and the development of unique types of renal cell tumors.

Keywords: End stage renal disease; IL6; LBP; SAA1; microenvironment; tumor development.