Gene and circulating expression of IL-18 increase in gastrointestinal cancers, with dual activity in CRC: in early stages, it promotes tissue repair protection, by down-regulating the IL-22 binding protein (IL-22BP); IL-22BP controls the biological activity of IL-22, which protects intestinal cells from damage during inflammation; and later, IL-18 acts by stimulating tumor growth and cell invasion (15, 78). The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.