Inflammatory Markers of CRP, IL6, TNFα, and Soluble TNFR2 and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There has been growing evidence showing that inflammatory markers play an important role in the development of ovarian cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis on the associations between circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and soluble TNFα receptor 2 (TNFR2), and the risk of ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE up until January 19, 2016 was conducted to retrieve prospective studies. The summary risk estimates were pooled using random-effects models. The dose-response relationship was assessed using generalized least-squares trend estimation.

RESULTS:

Seven nested case-control studies and one prospective cohort study were included in the review. For circulating CRP, women in the highest category had a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer than women in the lowest category, with no significant between-study heterogeneity [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.51-2.40; P < 0.001; I(2) = 0.0%]. Influence analyses further supported this positive association. A positive dose-response relationship was also observed (pooled RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.30 per 5 mg/L of CRP). Publication bias was found. However, the association persisted after correction using the trim-and-fill method. No significant association was observed for circulating IL6, TNFα, and soluble TNFR2.

CONCLUSION:

This meta-analysis provides evidence that elevated levels of CRP, but not circulating IL6, TNFα, or soluble TNFR2, are significantly associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

IMPACT:

These results suggest that circulating CRP may play a role in the etiology of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(8); 1231-9. ©2016 AACR.

• Authors: Fangfang Zeng, Huishan Wei, Engkiong Yeoh, Zheqing Zhang, Ze-Fang Ren, Graham A Colditz, Shelley S Tworoger, Xuefen Su
• Journal: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev) Vol. 25 Issue 8 Pg. 1231-9 (08 2016) ISSN: 1538-7755 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 27277846 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)
• Copyright: ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• IL6 protein, human
• Inflammation Mediators
• Interleukin-6
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• C-Reactive Protein

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (blood)
• C-Reactive Protein (analysis)
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation Mediators (blood)
• Interleukin-6 (blood)
• Ovarian Neoplasms (blood, etiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type II (blood)
• Risk
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (blood)