Integration of immunological and hormonal biomarkers for risk stratification in ovarian carcinoma

  • Z. J. A. Al-Nuaimi Al-Iraqia University
  • S. N. J. Alkaissy Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Z. J. Fadhil Al-Iraqia University
  • O. A. Mohsein Thi-Qar Health Directorate
Keywords: ovarian carcinoma, inflammatory cytokines, hormonal imbalance, risk stratification, biomarkers.

Abstract

Ovarian carcinoma is a biologically complicated cancer which is associated with immune dysregulation and horm o nal imbalance, both of which play a role in tumor development, progression and poor clinical outcomes. Our research aimed t o assess how immunological and hormonal biomarkers can be integrated together and how they can be used in combination in risk stratification and prognosis of disease progression in patients with ovarian carcinoma. In this case control study (April 2025 to February 2026), 100 newly diagnosed patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma were ut i lized and 50 age-matched normal controls. Diagnosis was done histopathologically using WHO criteria. W omen age d from 30 to 75 years and who had never under gone any therapy before were considered; autoimmune, inflammatory, e n docrine or other malignant conditions were exclusion criteria. Blood samples were collected on fasting and stored at -80 o C. ELISA was used to mea sure IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and CRP , whereas CLIA was used to measure estradiol , progeste r one, FSH and LH. There were no noteworthy differences between patients and control in age, BMI, and menopausal status, yet a positive family history of ovarian carcinoma was more frequent in the patient group . The m ajority of the cases showed up at advanced stages. There was significant increase in IL-6, TNF-a, IL-10 and CRP and also estradiol , FSH and LH and low progesterone. The inflammatory and hormonal levels were elevated in the advanced stages. There were very signif i cant positive correlations between biomarkers. Risk factors that were independent included IL-6, TNF-α, estradiol and family history , with progesterone being protective. Systemic inflammation and hormonal imbalance are closely rela t ed to ovarian carcinoma. Inflammatory signaling and proliferative pathways contribute to tumor progression via high levels of IL-6, TNF-α and estradiol , whereas low levels of progesterone minimize the protective action. Combining bi o logical markers of immunology and hormones enhances prognostics and risk stratification.

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Published
2026-03-16
How to Cite
Al-Nuaimi, Z. J. A., Alkaissy, S. N. J., Fadhil, Z. J., & Mohsein, O. A. (2026). Integration of immunological and hormonal biomarkers for risk stratification in ovarian carcinoma. Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems, 17(2), e26047. https://doi.org/10.15421/0226047

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