IL-8 promotes proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis via STAT3/AKT/NF-κB pathway in prostate cancer

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) possesses tumorigenic and proangiogenic properties, and is overexpressed in many human cancer types. However, only few studies have demonstrated the mechanisms of action of IL-8 regarding the ability to promote proliferation and to inhibit apoptosis in prostate cancer. Here, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of IL-8 on the prostate cancer cell line and determine possible mechanisms underlying its effect. In this study, IL-8 was shown to be significantly upregulated in prostate cancer compared with paired normal control tissues. The data showed that IL-8 exhibits direct oncogenicity, which significantly induced cell proliferation, invasion and attenuated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/protein kinase B/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways. In conclusion, modulation of IL-8 expression or its associated signaling pathway may provide a novel working mechanism of IL-8 in prostate cancer, and a promising strategy for controlling the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.