Abstract Background Interleukin-8 (IL8), Interleukin-12 (IL12) and Interleukin-13 (IL13) are cytokines that play regulatory role in cancer pathogenesis. We analysed their expression profile to evaluate as molecular biomarkers of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their association with different parameters. Methods Expression analysis of IL8, IL12 and IL13 were performed by Real time qPCR in blood and tumor tissue of 120 ESCC patients. The expression profiles were associated with different clinicopathological and dietary factors. Survival and hazard analysis were also performed. Results When compared to normal controls, IL8 expression showed upregulation in 83% tissue samples (p=0.000) and 62% blood samples (p=0.388), IL12 expression showed upregulation in 62% tissue samples (p=0.435) and 57% blood samples (p=0.222) and IL13 expression showed upregulation in 83% tissue samples (p=0.001) and 68% blood samples (p=0.312). Significant positive correlation (p&lt;0.05) was observed between tissue and blood level expression of IL8, IL12 and IL13. Different clinicopathological factors and dietary habits showed significant association (p&lt;0.05) with IL8, IL12 and IL13 expression.. Statistically significant positive correlation were observed for IL8 and IL13 expression in tissue as well as IL13 and IL12 expression in both tissue and blood. Also significant negative correlation of IL8 and IL12 expression in blood and tissue were also observed. Tumor stage, node stage, metastasis, consumption of betel nut, tobacco, alcohol, hot food, smoked food, spices, IL8 expression in blood, IL13 expression in tissue and IL12 expression in blood and tissue showed significant association (p&lt;0.05) with survival of ESCC patients. Conclusions Altered expression of IL8, IL12 and IL13 may be associated with ESCC progression. Overexpression of IL8 and IL13 in tissue samples may be potential biomarkers for ECSS screening. Additionally, results from both survival and hazard analysis data indicate the effects of various parameters on the survival and mortality rate of ESCC patients.

Overexpression of Interleukin-8 and Interleukin-13 as potent immune markers associated with survival and dietary habits in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma