Clinical significance of Th1/Th2 cytokines shift in the peripheral blood of patients with colonic cancer

Objective To detect the levels of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines of peripheral blood CD3+ T lymphocytes in the patients with colonic cancer in order to find out the laboratory evidence of tumor immunotherapy.Methods The peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated by stimulator in order to enhance expression of cytokines. Then specific fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibody was added to be combined with its specific antigen.Cytokines were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA.Results The levels of Th1 type cytokines such as interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-2(IL-2), interleukin-12(IL-12) were significantly lower in patients of colonic cancer than those of normal controls. The levels of Th2 type cytokines such as interleukin-4(IL-4), interleukin-10(IL-10) were higher in patients of colonic cancer than those of normal controls, there were significant difference between them. The level of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)in the patients was significant higher than normal control. Conclusion Th1/Th2 is imbalance in colonic cancer. Th1 type cytokines are inhibited, and Th2 type cytokines are relatively enhanced,so Th1/Th2 shifts to Th2.It may be the mechanism of tumor arising and transferring by immune escape from immunosurveillance.