Interleukin-22 promotes the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway.

Background: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine released during the immune response in chronic liver injury. Although IL-22 mediates tissue regeneration, its uncontrolled production may generate a carcinogenic environment resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to identify the effect of IL-22 on anti-apoptotic and metastatic genes and the molecular pathways responsible for IL-22-mediated hepatic carcinogenesis.

A Double Edged Sword Role of Interleukin-22 in Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration.

Wound healing and tissue regeneration is an intricate biological process that involves repair of cellular damage and maintenance of tissue integrity. Cascades involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration highly overlap with cancer causing pathways. Usually, subsequent tissue damage events include release of a number of cytokines to accomplish post-trauma restoration.