It is generally well-accepted and established the IL-10-mediated protumor function in cancer, based on its immunosuppressive properties. However, new evidences from in vitro and in vivo murine models have emerged showing a potential immunostimulating activity of this cytokine, which may sustain IL-10-mediated antitumor function in cancer, hence favoring tumor regression. Here, we attempt to clarify IL-10’s role in cancer, by conducting a literature review of previously published studies, presenting information about IL-10 immunosuppressive and/or immunostimulating properties. Different and contradictory IL-10 effects leading to tumor growth (e.g., suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or inhibition of immune response recognition steps) or tumor regression (e.g., stimulation of cytotoxic and cytolytic activities of immune cells or inhibition of angiogenic factors) were found in distinct scenarios, hindering the establishment of a general role for IL-10 in cancer. Such definition is still a challenge, maybe due to a lack of sufficient information to support it, or perhaps based on the fact that IL-10 role in distinct cancer contexts may vary, switching from a classical immunosuppressive factor to an immunostimulating one.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of infections and cytological abnormalities and to investigate possible predisposing factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavioral habits, and gynecological and obstetric backgrounds. Between 2013 and December 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 consenting women, from whom cervical samples were tested for the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Susceptibility to HPV infection was assessed by binary logistic regression in light of possible predisposing factors, which were collected using a questionnaire. In our sample population, the prevalence of HPV infection was 49%; high-risk types had a higher prevalence of 89.1%. A larger proportion of HPV-infected women were under 25 years of age, were single, and had monthly incomes up to minimum wage. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that age younger than 25 years increased the odds of infection fivefold, while a monthly income of one to three minimum wages provided protection against HPV infection, even if the women were married or had a cohabiting partner. In the HPV-positive group, squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) occurred more frequently in women who earned up to one minimum wage monthly, but a monthly income of one to three minimum wages protected against the development of SIL. The results suggest that age, marital status, and monthly income are important cofactors for HPV infection and the development of SIL.