High expression of IL-1β and NFκB in tumor tissue predicts a low recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: To study the relationship between interleukin (IL)-1β and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) expressions in tumor tissue and the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy.

Methods: The expressions of IL-1β and NFκB in tumor tissues of 92 patients with HCC were measured using immunohistochemical staining. The correlations between IL-1β and NFκB expressions with clinical factors and postoperative recurrence were analyzed.

Results: Compared with the low expression group, the disease-free survival (DFS) of HCC with high expression of IL-1β and NFκB was more significantly prolonged (P < 0.05). NFκB is a key molecule in the downstream signaling pathway of IL-1β, and the expression of IL-1β and NFκB is positively associated with serum total bilirubin (TBIL). IL-1β and NFκB levels and platelet (PLT) levels were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of HCC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The low expressions of IL-1β and NFκB in HCC tissues are an independent risk factor for the recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy, but a high expression can significantly prolong DFS.