Anti- Cytomegalovirus antibodies, TNF- α, IL-19, CD4, CD163, and VEGF-A serum levels in Patients with Breast Cancer: Anti- Cytomegalovirus antibodies, TNF- α, IL-19, CD4, CD163, and VEGF-A serum levels in Patients with Breast Cancer

Dania Jawhar Sleman; Hiwa Ramadhan   Fatah

doi:10.63841/iue24500

Authors

Dania Jawhar Sleman Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region-F.R., IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9698-1576
Hiwa Ramadhan Fatah Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region-F.R., IRAQ Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7092-5696

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63841/iue24500

Keywords:

Cytomegalovirus, Breast cancer TNF-a, CD4, CD 163, IL-19

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor detected in women globally. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been linked to immune system modulation, potentially altering cytokine levels and establishing a tumor-promoting microenvironment. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of CMV infection and cytokine levels in breast cancer progression. A total of 80 blood samples were analyzed, comprising 40 samples from breast cancer patients admitted to Nanakaly Hospital's / oncology department and 40 samples from healthy controls selected randomly. CMV-IgG and IgM levels were tested using a Cobas analyzer to determine seropositivity among the participants in the study. ELISA technique was used for determining serum cytokine levels including interleukin-19 (IL-19), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and soluble CD163 and CD4. Statistical analysis was used to determine the associations between CMV seropositivity, cytokine levels, and breast cancer progression. TNF-α emerged as the most diagnostically accurate biomarker due it is high area under curve (AUC). It demonstrated statistically significant odds ratios as a risk factor for breast cancer development (P= 0.048). CD4, IL-19, exhibited minimal impact on breast cancer development (p=0.659 and p=0.564 respectively), indicating weak associations. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) did not show a significant association with the development of the breast cancer. Similarly, CD 163 showed no relationship with breast cancer progression. In addition, in this study the serum concentrations of all immunological and tumor markers were elevated in CMV IgG positive controls as detected in breast cancer patients. It is concluded that high levels of TNF-α in both CMV infected and breast cancer patients indicates a positive correlation between the progression of breast cancer and CMV infection. Slight increase in the other estimated markers may also confirm this correlation in this study.

Author Biographies

Dania Jawhar Sleman, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region-F.R., IRAQ

Dania Jawhar Sleman is a M.Sc. student at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University. She got the B.Sc. degree in general biology.
Hiwa Ramadhan Fatah, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region-F.R., IRAQ

Dr. Hiwa Ramadhan Fatah is an Assistant Professor and the Head of the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Kurdistan Region, F.R. Iraq. He holds a B.Sc. in Biology, an M.Sc. in Histology, and a Ph.D. in Immunology. Dr. Hiwa is a member of the British Renal Society and the scientific committee in the Biology Department. Dr. Hiwa has published 3 peer-reviewed journal articles and a total of 6 publications, actively contributing to research in cancer immunology, pathology, and kidney and liver diseases.

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Anti- Cytomegalovirus antibodies, TNF- α, IL-19, CD4, CD163, and VEGF-A serum levels in Patients with Breast Cancer