Immunological Study of IFN-γ, ICAM-4, and Vitamin D3 Markers among Gastrointestinal Tumor Patients in Babylon Province, Iraq

OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to investigate the roles of ICAM-4, IFN-γ, and vitamin D3 markers among benign and malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). METHODOLOGY: Eighty-eight participants, admitted to the Babylon GIT Center, Merjan Medical City, Iraq from April to December 2020, were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected from the participants, who were divided into four groups: malignant GIT tumor (N = 42), benign GIT tumor (N = 29), irritable bowel disease as a positive control (N = 10), and healthy individuals as a negative control (N = 7). Serum ICAM-4, IFN-γ, and vitamin D3 levels were determined using the blood samples. RESULTS: The younger males were more affected by malignant GIT tumors at a mean age of 53.39 years than benign GIT tumors, IBD, and healthy individuals. There is also an increase in ICAM-4, IFN-γ, and a decrease in vitamin D3 levels compared to healthy individuals. The vitamin D3 level decreased progressively with age and rose in ICAM-4 with a decrease in vitamin D3 level in patients, increasing the probability of infection with GIT tumor. ICAM-4 levels may grow and increase as interferon levels rise. CONCLUSION: The younger males are more prone to malignant GIT and the serum levels of ICAM-4, vitamin D3, and IFN-γ are high in malignant patients compared with benign GIT tumors and lower than the control.