Increased Expression of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Patients with HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Aim. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have attracted attention due to their important role in tumor immune escape. Several studies have investigated the involvement of MDSCs into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, due to the difference of MDSC phenotype, patient types, and sample source among the studies, the results were inconsistent and controversial. The present study aimed to confirm the expression and clinical significance of MDSCs in HBV-related HCC patients. Methods. The percentages of MDSCs, IFN-gamma-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells in the peripheral blood of HCC patients, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and healthy controls (HC) were determined by flow cytometry. The serum concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha were determined by ELISA. The association of the percentages of MDSCs with tumor burden, liver function parameters, systemic inflammation-related indexes, and IFN-gamma-producing T cells was assessed. Results. The percentages of MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs were significantly higher in HCC patients than those in CHB patients and HC. The level of MDSCs was correlated with indirect bilirubin and prealbumin, as well as systemic inflammation response index, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte counts. The frequency of IFN-gamma-producing CD8 T cells of HCC patients was lower than that of HC. However, there was no relationship between MDSCs and IFN-gamma-producing CD8 T cells. The level of IL-10 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in CHB patients. Conclusion. MDSCs seem to play an important role in the process leading from chronic HBV infection to HCC. Early inhibiting these cells could affect tumor progression.