Connection between inflammation and carcinogenesis in gastrointestinal tract: Focus on TGF-β signaling

Figure 5 TGF-β1 as pivotal tumor vaccine based on anti-inflammatory actions that block progression from inflammatory lesions to precancerous lesions/cancer. Chronic inflammation induced by biological, chemical, microbial and physical factors is associated with increased risk of human cancer at various sites. Inflammation facilitates initiation of normal cell transformation, growth, and progression to malignancy through production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and diverse reactive oxygen species. In this pathway, TGF-β plays a key role in chemoprevention through anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic actions.