Fig. 3

Factors down-regulated in malignant vs. benign seroma profiles. a Relative expression of cytokines down-regulated in malignant post-operative seroma fluid compared to benign seroma. b IL-16 expression in benign and malignant seroma fluid presented collectively and at specific collection time-points post surgery (group 1 = collection time point ≤8 days and group 2 = collection time-point >8 days). c IGFBP-1 expression in benign and malignant seroma fluid presented collectively and at specific collection time-points post surgery (group 1 = collection time point ≤8 days and group 2 = collection time-point >8 days). d Pearson correlation analysis showing a significant negative correlation of IL-16 expression and collection time-point of seroma post-surgery [Pearson r = −0.6082; p < 0.0001, n = 54 (all benign and malignant seroma samples where data is available)]. e Pearson correlation analysis showing a significant negative correlation of IGFBP-1 expression and collection time-point of seroma post-surgery [Pearson r = −0.3295; p = 0.0132, n = 56 (all benign and malignant seroma samples where data is available)]