Unveiling molecular clues: Exploring IFNγ, IL-10, and MMP7 blood levels in gastric carcinoma patients.

Objectives: Gastric carcinoma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection can help reduce mortality rates. Biomarkers are being investigated globally for their potential in disease screening, monitoring, and follow-up in various cancers. However, currently, there is insufficient data on the role of biomarkers in gastric carcinoma.

Material and methods: This single center case control study was conducted from June 2018 to March 2021 from South India. Blood samples were collected from 85 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma and 85 apparently healthy individuals serving as the control group. The samples were collected in a fasting state. The serum levels of biomarkers interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between the two groups. Additionally, the levels of biomarkers were compared within the gastric cancer group based on disease location, stage, and histotype.

Results: The serum levels of IFNγ and IL-10 were found to be significantly elevated in gastric carcinoma patients compared to the healthy control group. Both biomarkers exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in detecting carcinoma of the stomach. However, there was no significant difference in the serum level of MMP7 between gastric cancer patients and control group.

Conclusion: IFNγ and IL-10 show promise as potential molecular biomarkers for the detection of gastric carcinoma. Further, well designed studies, involving larger and more diverse populations matched for stage and histological types, are necessary to establish the screening and monitoring utility of these biomarkers in gastric carcinoma.