Background and purpose: Hypoxia and cytokines can mediate the malignant progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However

the related mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of hypoxia inducing progression of ESCC via promoting the secretion of interleukin-7 (IL-7). Methods: Three gas incubators were used to establish the hypoxia model

and KYSE410 cells were used to observe the effect of hypoxia on the secretion of cytokines in ESCC. The effect of hypoxia on IL-7 secretion from KYSE410 and KYSE30 cells were observed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) treatment was used as the control group. IL-7 neutralizing antibody was used as the treatment group. The effect of IL-7 on the proliferation of KYSE410 and KYSE30 cells under hypoxic condition was evaluated using MTS assay. The effect of IL-7 on the invasion of indicated ESCC cells under hypoxia was measured using transwell assay. The effect of hypoxia on the activity of protein kinase B (AKT) in indicated ESCC cells was detected by signal pathway quantitative ELISA. Results: Hypoxia promoted the secretion of many cytokines

especially IL-7

in KYSE410 cells after 24 hours incubation. ELISA further confirmed that hypoxia could significantly induce the increase of IL-7 secretion from KYSE410 and KYSE30 cells. MTS and transwell assays showed that IL-7 neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited the proliferation

invasion and migration of KYSE410 and KYSE30 cells under hypoxia. The results of signal pathway ELISA showed that IL-7 regulated AKT activity in ESCC cells. Conclusion: IL-7 is an important cytokine that mediates hypoxia to promote the malignant progression of ESCC

which provides experimental basis for ESCC treatment.