Analysis of STAT3 Activation and Cytokine Production in Skin Cancer Patients

Skin cancer is a disease marked by the presence of abnormal cells within the skin tissues. These cells grow in a disorganized manner and reproduce uncontrollably at a rapid pace. Various factors contribute to the onset and progression of skin cancer; these can be genetic and environmental, psychological, microbiological, and immunological, such as inflammation and a weakened immune system. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of latent transcription factors activated in response to various cytokines and growth factors. This study aims to identify the association of STAT3 activation with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The phospo-STAT3/STAT3 ratio indicates significant activation levels of this transcription factor in skin cancer patients versus the control group. Also, we encountered higher serum concentrations of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, and TNF-𝛼 compared to the control group. Although our analysis did not show a correlation between STAT3 activation and cytokines, elevated levels of activated STAT3 offer new insights into the practical application of STAT3, which could help develop more effective treatments for this malignancy. In addition, the fact that patients show a higher serum concentration of cytokines highlights their key role in the pathophysiology of skin cancer.