Serum and ascites fluid cytokine levels in patients with chronic heart failure

Abstract

Objective — Cytokines that are capable of modulating cardiovascular function were reported to be elevated in patients with advanced heart failure.We evaluated the diagnostic importance of cytokines both in the serum and ascites.Material and methods — We determined serum and ascites fluid TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and soluble IL-2 receptor levels in 14 patients with congestive heart failure (group 1) and in 15 patients with chronic liver disease (group 2).Results — Ascites fluid IL-8 and soluble IL-2 receptor levels were found to be significantly elevated in group 1 when compared with group 2 (p = 0.014 and p = 0.005). There were no statistical differences in serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and soluble IL-2 receptor levels and ascites fluid TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels.Ascites fluid/serum IL-1b and IL-8 ratio was lower in group 1 when compared with group 2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005). Ascites fluid/serum IL-2 and IL-6 ratio was higher in group 1 when compared with group 2 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.025).Conclusion — Cytokine levels in ascites fluid, but not in serum, are important in congestive heart failure. Ascites fluid/serum cytokine level ratios were detected to be more conclusive and valid in the diagnosis work-up of ascites aetiology.