Specific immune cell and cytokine characteristics of human testicular germ cell neoplasia

Conclusions about cytokine levels in testes with GCNIS are based on a small number of samples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The unique B cell presence and the significantly increased expression level of IL-6 in testicular germ cell neoplasia (P < 0.001) strengthen its special role in this disease. In line with current knowledge on other types of cancer, these results underline the relevance of further investigating the potential of IL-6 as early biomarker and target for therapeutic intervention in testicular germ cell neoplasia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study (and B.K. in person) was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) as part of the International Research Training Group between Justus Liebig University of Giessen and Monash University, Melbourne (GRK 1871/1) on ‘Molecular pathogenesis on male reproductive disorders'. T.H., H.-C.S. and M.B. were supported by the LOEWE focus group ‘MIBIE’ (male infertility during infection & inflammation)—an excellence initiative of the German state government of Hessen. From the Australian side, K.L. was supported by NHMRC grants (Fellowship, ID1079646 and Project, ID1081987); K.L., S.I. and M.H. received scholarship (S.I.) and research funding (K.L., M.H.) from Monash University. The project also drew support from the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Andrology Source Type: research