Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global health issue, ranked as the most prevalent non-cutaneous malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in males worldwide (Bambury and Gallagher, 2012, Attard et al., 2016). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, in 2020, approximately 1.4 million new cases of PCa were diagnosed globally, accounting for 7.3% of all cancer incidences (Sung et al., 2021, Peng et al., 2018). PCa is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in over half of the world's countries, affecting 112 out of 185 nations (Baade et al., 2008). Notably, individuals of African descent are more susceptible to PCa than men of other ethnicities (Giona, 2021, Wang et al., 2018). This alarming prevalence and its profound impact on male health call for urgent efforts to comprehend the etiology, progression, and potential therapeutic strategies for this formidable disease (Iwata et al., 2021, Haraldsdottir et al., 2014).

The pathogenesis of PCa is complex, involving intricate interactions of genetic and epigenetic modifications alongside inflammatory factors (Miah and Catto, 2014). Despite considerable advancements in cancer research, the underlying mechanisms driving human prostate cancer remain largely unexplored, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive investigations in this domain (Cheteh et al., 2020). The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has reported an alarming upward trend in PCa cases year after year, underlining the necessity for a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this escalation (Iwata et al., 2021, Fabrizio et al., 2017, Dluzniewski et al., 2015). Genetic susceptibility loci have emerged as significant players with potential implications as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in this context (Giri and Beebe-Dimmer, 2016). Unraveling genetic variations associated with PCa susceptibility could provide invaluable insights into disease pathogenesis and progression (Haraldsdottir et al., 2014, Ramesh et al., 2020). Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a prominent member of the IL-1 cytokine family, has garnered substantial attention among the cytokines implicated in cancer development. IL-6 plays a multifaceted role in PCa control, development, and progression, as evidenced by elevated levels observed in men with localized and advanced PCa (Polkinghorn et al., 2013).

The human interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 7 (7p15–21) (Tan et al., 2015). It exhibits a complicated organization consisting of five exons and four introns, which highlights its importance in the field of prostate cancer (PCa) research (FitzGerald et al., 2008). The increasing amount of data emphasises the substantial involvement of IL-6 in the development and progression of PCa.Numerous studies consistently demonstrate increased levels of IL-6 through the entire progression. IL-6, widely recognised for its regulatory role in immune response and inflammation, is thought to have influence on the complex mechanisms of PCa (Archer et al., 2020, Xia et al., 2022). Moreover, IL6's interaction with androgen receptors has been shown to promote the accelerated growth of PCa cells without androgens, making it an intriguing target for further exploration (Polkinghorn et al., 2013, Woo and Humphries, 2013). Additionally, the potential of IL-6 to induce the epithelial-mesenchymal transition emphasizes its role in transforming benign prostate cells into cancerous counterparts (Rojas et al., 2011, Cui et al., 2018). Specifically, polymorphisms within the promoter region of the IL-6 gene have been identified as key regulators of IL-6 expression and function (Hobisch et al., 2000).

Extensive studies have explored the impact of these genetic variations in IL-6 encoding genes on susceptibility to various disorders, providing valuable insights into disease pathogenesis (Chua et al., 2009). Notably, functional variants, such as the rs1800795 and rs1800796 SNPs, have been investigated and found to influence the levels of circulating IL-6, further emphasizing their potential relevance in disease susceptibility (Cole et al., 2010). Given the significant implications of IL-6 in PCa and the importance of genetic variations in disease susceptibility, this research aims to shed light on the intricate interplay between IL-6 and genetic polymorphisms and their impact on PCa development and progression. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between polymorphisms at locations − 174 and − 572 in the IL-6 gene and an individual's predisposition to prostate cancer.