The Role of Proinflammatory Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

Figure 1

NF-κB pathway functions as the molecular link between inflammation and tumorigenesis. NF-κB pathway can be activated by proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1), bacterial components (such as LPS), viruses, and DNA-damaging agents. Activation of NF-κB pathway induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6), chemokines (IL-8), and enzymes (COX-2) that contribute to inflammation-related tissue damages and are associated with tumor initiation. Antiapoptotic factors GADD45β, BFL1, and BCL-X_L ensure tumor cell survival and proliferation. In addition, VEGF, COX-2, and IL-8 promote angiogenesis and play an important role in tumor progression. MMP-9 contributes to tumor progression through facilitating metastasis.