Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health
Vol 7, No 2 (2025): CONTAGION

The IL-4 Paradox: How an Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Fuels Prostate Cancer Progression

Ibnu Widya Argo (Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.)
Raden Danarto (Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.)
Tanaya Ghinorawa (Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.)
Indrawarman Soerohardjo (Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2025

Abstract

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in mern worldwide, with complex immune interactions contributing to tumor progression. In contrast, benig prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that dos not exhibit malignant behavior. Understanding the molucelur differences between benign and malignant prostate condition is essential, particulary regarding immune escape mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system. Interleukin-4 (IL-4), an anti-inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in modulating immune responses within the Tumor Microenvironment. This study was conducted using a retrospective, observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach to investigates the relationship between IL-4 expression and apoptosis-associated immune checkpoint receptors (PD-1, CTLA-4) and their ligand (PD-L1, PD-L2) in prostate tissue. A total of 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate tissue samples collected between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed using quantitive real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Samples were categorized into four groups: BPH, non-metastatic prostate cancer, metastatic prostate cancer, and controls. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation. IL-4 expression was significantly higher in prostate cancer tissues (both metastatic and non-metastatic) compares to BPH (p = 0.006). Among the immune checkpoint molecules, IL-4 showed the srongest correlation with PD-L1 (r = 0.919), followed by PD-L2 (r = 0.832) and PD-1 (r = 0.626). In the BPH group, CTLA-4 exhibited the highest ecpression, with IL-4 ranked second. In conclusion, IL-4 expression is closely associated with key immune checkpoint markers in prostate cancer, suggesting a potential role in promoting immune escapen and tumor progression. Keyword: Prostate Cancer, IL-4, PD-1, CTLA-4, PD-L1 and PD-L2.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

contagion

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

Contagion: Scientific Periodical Journal of Public Health and Coastal Health, A Scientific Periodic Journal of Public Health published by the Public health Study Program of The Faculty of Public Health UINSU Medan. This Journal prioritiez the collaboration of lecturers and students with scope of the ...