Interleukin-6 Levels In Patients Research Articles

Gene polymorphism and serum levels of interleukin-18 in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Circulating concentrations of interleukin-18 (IL-18) were shown to be correlated with the vascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Objectives To assess the serum levels of IL-18 and its gene polymorphism in CAD and diabetic patients and correlate these findings with clinical, echocardiographic, laboratory, and coronary angiographic findings. Patients and methods This cross-sectional observational study included 180 patients, who were divided according to presence or absence of CAD and type 2 diabetes mellitus into four groups: group I (41 patients), nondiabetic patients without CAD; group II (51 patients), nondiabetic patients with CAD; group III (40 patients), diabetic patients without CAD; and group IV (48 patients), diabetic patients with CAD. Serum levels of IL-18 and its genotyping distributions were measured in all groups and correlated with the angiographic coronary scoring systems. Results Serum IL-18 level was higher significantly in patients with CAD (groups II and IV) than in patients without CAD (groups I and III) (P Conclusion IL-18 is a novel and independent risk factor for CAD, and it is associated with its extent and severity. IL-18 gene polymorphism at 137 G/C site could be a risk factor for development of CAD, presumably by increasing serum IL-18 levels. Individuals carrying the G allele and the G/G genotype of IL-18 have an increased risk to develop CAD.

Assessment of Levels of C-Reactive Proteins and Interleukin 6 in Patients with Peri-Implantitis: A Case-Control Study.

Aim:The present study was undertaken for assessing the C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels and IL-6 levels in patients with peri-implantitis.Materials and Methods:A total of 20 patients with confirmed clinical and radiographic diagnosis of peri-implantitis were included in the present study. Another set of 20 subjects who reported for routine health check-up were included as healthy controls. All the subjects were recalled in the morning and fasting (minimum of 12 h) venous blood samples were obtained. Plain vials were used for collecting the venous blood which was sent to the laboratory for biochemical analysis. In the laboratory, levels of CRP were assessed by means of latex enhanced nephelometric method, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was assessed by means of Elisa kit.Results:Mean levels of CRPs in patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 0.795 mg/dL and 0.294 mg/dL respectively. Mean IL-6 levels among the patients of the peri-implantitis group and the control group was found to be 12.178 pg/ml and 6.458 pg/ml respectively. While analyzing statistically, significant results were obtained.Conclusion:Enhanced periodontal inflammation in peri-implantitis patients is accompanied by a considerable increase in the concentration of CRPs and IL-6.

Assessment of Serum Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether serum cytokine levels correlate with clinical periodontal parameters in health or disease. Materials and Methods Male subjects (40–60 years) with CP (n = 30), CP + CHD (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 20) had plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) evaluated. Serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results PLI, GI, PPD, and CAL were significantly higher in patients with CP + CHD compared to those with CP. Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were also significantly higher in CP + CHD compared to those with CP, with both groups also being significantly higher than controls. There was a strong correlation between IL-1β and PPD and CAL and between IL-6 and GI and CAL in the CP group and between IL-6 and GI and PPD in the CP + CHD group. Conclusion The results provide further evidence that periodontitis triggers systemic inflammation. Cytokine levels in patients with periodontitis may represent a useful screening tool to identify those at greater risk of cardiovascular events.

Increased telomerase activity in major depressive disorder with melancholic features: Possible role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor

The biological mechanisms responsible for depression symptoms are not yet understood. For this reason, it is important to reveal the etiopathogenetic mechanisms in this disease. This study aims to compare the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and telomerase activity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. Plasma BDNF, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels, and telomerase activity were measured in 39 patients with major depression and 39 healthy controls matched with patients in terms of age, gender, and education year. Plasma concentration of BDNF, IL-6 levels, and telomerase activity was significantly different between patients with MDD and healthy controls. Correlation analysis showed a positive trend between plasma BDNF levels and plasma IL-6 levels in patients with MDD with melancholic features. Furthermore, the path analysis results showed that the telomerase activity was indirectly affected by gender, IL-1β, IL-6, BDNF, and BMI, via the severity of depression and anxiety and MDD status as the mediators. Further studies are needed to examine the molecular mechanism of the telomerase activity and the role of BDNF and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the telomerase activation in MDD.

Pathological and clinical effects of interleukin-6 on human myocarditis

BackgroundNumerous basic studies have shown a relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the development or severity of myocarditis. However, there has been no study in which the effect of IL-6 levels in patients with myocarditis was evaluated. MethodsWe enrolled control patients (n = 12) and consecutive patients with acute myocarditis (n = 13), including lymphocytic, eosinophilic, and giant cell myocarditis, and investigated the pathological and clinical effects of IL-6 on human myocarditis. ResultsThe serum IL-6 level in patients with myocarditis (16.7 [9.9, 103.8] pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the control patients (1.4 [1.0, 1.9] pg/mL) (P<0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that IL-6 was expressed in infiltrating inflammatory cells of endomyocardial biopsy samples from all patients with myocarditis. Moreover, the log-transformed value of serum IL-6 level showed significant positive correlations with serum creatine kinase (CK) level, CK-MB level, peak CK level, peak CK-MB level and C-reactive protein level (all P ≤ 0.005) and a negative correlation with the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (p = 0.014). We divided the patients with myocarditis into a low IL-6 group (9.9 [4.5, 14.2] pg/dL, n = 7) and a high IL-6 group (108.9 [51.1, 130.9] pg/dL, n = 6). The degree of infiltration of IL-6-expressing inflammatory cells in myocardial samples obtained from patients in the high IL-6 group was significantly more severe than that in samples obtained from patients in the low IL-6 group. Furthermore, patients in the high IL-6 group significantly more frequently received catecholamine therapy (P = 0.005), venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P = 0.029), and artificial respirator support (P = 0.021) in the acute phase of myocarditis. ConclusionThe results suggest that there is a strong impact of IL-6 on cardiac injury and dysfunction in patients with myocarditis.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) 1082 promoter polymorphisms and plasma IL-10 levels in patients with bacterial sepsis.

Background. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine which has been seen to play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We examined the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL-10-1082G/A in patients with sepsis in Cali city.Methods. A total of 100 patients with sepsis and 50 control subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from all patients in EDTA containing tubes. IL-10-1082G/A gene promoter polymorphism was analyzed by Sequence Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (SS-PCR), while levels of serum IL-10 were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunoassay Assay (ELISA) in patients with sepsis and healthy controls.Results. AA homozygous genotype was found more frequently in patients (32%), compared with controls (18%). AA homozygous patients showed an increased risk of developing infection by Gram-negative bacteria (OR = 2,875; 95% CI = 1.162-7.113; p = 0.020), and significantly high plasma levels of IL-10 (OR = 4.800, 95% CI 1.652-13.944; p = 0.002). AA homozygous patients high plasma IL-10 levels have greater risk of developing sepsis (63.6%; OR = 4,894; 95% CI: 1,337-17,909; p = 0.002). In this group, Afro-Colombian individuals were overrepresented among the sepsis patients with high plasma IL-10 levels (OR = 1.661; 95% CI: 1.408-1.959; p = 0.036).Conclusion. Our study concluded that AA genotype of IL-10-1082G/A polymorphism is a risk factor for high IL-10 production and development of sepsis by Gram negative bacteria, especially in Afro-Colombian patients.

CSF interleukin 6 is a useful marker to distinguish pseudotumoral CNS inflammatory diseases from primary CNS lymphoma.

Interleukin6 (IL-6) is a pleomorphic cytokine that can be found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a wide spectrum of inflammatory pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS). Our aim was to characterize the diagnostic significance of CSF IL-6 among various CNS inflammatory diseases with pseudotumoral lesions (CNSID) and primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). We retrospectively analyzed the CSF IL-6 concentrations in 43 consecutive patients with suspected PCNSL. A total of 28 patients were positively diagnosed with PCNSL and 15 with CNSID. We verified the results with CSF IL-10, an established biomarker for PCNSL. In the PCNSL group, the median CSF IL-6 concentration was 8pg/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 5-18.5. For the patients with CNSID, the median concentration was 70pg/ml, IQR 5-1368. A group comparison showed significantly higher CSF IL-6 levels in patients with CNSID than in those with PCNSL (p = 0.032). Moreover, IL-6 was correlated with CSF cell count in the CNSID group (r = 0.56, p = 0.028), but not in the PCNSL group (r = 0.3, p = 0.13). We found significantly higher CSF IL-10 levels in patients with PCNSL than in patients with CNS inflammatory lesions (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that CSF IL-6 levels could represent, in addition to CSF IL-10, a useful biomarker in the differential diagnosis of CNSID and suspected PCNSL.

Increased Intracranial Hemorrhage Amid Elevated Inflammatory Markers in Those With COVID-19 Supported With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

COVID-19-related coagulopathy is a known complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can lead to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), one of the most feared complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We sought to evaluate the incidence and etiology of ICH in patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO. Patients at two academic medical centers with COVID-19 who required venovenous-ECMO support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were evaluated retrospectively. During the study period, 33 patients required ECMO support; 16 (48.5%) were discharged alive, 13 died (39.4%), and 4 (12.1%) had ongoing care. Eleven patients had ICH (33.3%). All ICH events occurred in patients who received intravenous anticoagulation. The ICH group had higher C-reactive protein (P = 0.04), procalcitonin levels (P = 0.02), and IL-6 levels (P = 0.05), lower blood pH before and after ECMO (P < 0.01), and higher activated partial thromboplastin times throughout the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). ICH-free survival was lower in COVID-19 patients than in patients on ECMO for ARDS caused by other viruses (49% vs. 79%, P = 0.02). In conclusion, patients with COVID-19 can be successfully bridged to recovery using ECMO but may suffer higher rates of ICH compared to those with other viral respiratory infections.

Effect of Simvastatin in Serum Interleukin-6 Level in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is the leading cause of death and causing permanent disability in adults worldwide. In acute ischemic stroke, IL-6 levels positively correlated to more severe neurological deficits, more extensive brain damage and worse prognoses. The use of statin was associated with milder initial stroke severity, better functional outcome and lower mortality. This clinically randomized controlled trial study was aimed to analyze the serum levels of IL 6 in acute ischemic stroke patients who treated with Simvastatin 20 mg compare to placebo. Samples were taken using consecutive sampling method from hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients in Neurology Department of Dr. Soetomo Teaching Hospital Surabaya and Airlangga University Hospital Surabayafrom August to November 2017. Total of 44 patients met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 22 patients in treatment group and 22 patients in control group.There were no significant difference in the characteristic of the patients in both groups (p&gt;0.05). Averages of serum IL-6 in the control and the treatment group are 38.594±74.313 and 17.760±25.253(p=0,438) while averages of serum IL-6 post in the control group and the treatment are 46.586±103.484 and 15.275±17.183 (p=0,589). There were no significant level escalation in pre and post of control group (p = 0.205) and also no significant level reduction in pre and post of treatment group (p = 0.411), while the average difference in the control group (-7.992 + 78.912 pg/ml) and in the treatment group (2.485 + 23.738 pg/ml).

Association of GDF15 With Inflammation and Physical Function During Aging and Recovery After Acute Hospitalization: A Longitudinal Study of Older Patients and Age-Matched Controls.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-induced cytokine. Its plasma levels increase during aging and acute illness. In older Patients and age-matched Controls, we evaluated whether GDF15 levels (i) were associated with recovery after acute illness, and (ii) reflected different trajectories of aging and longitudinal changes in health measures. Fifty-two older Patients (≥65 years) were included upon admission to the emergency department (ED). At 30 days after discharge (time of matching), Patients were matched 1:1 on age and sex with Controls who had not been hospitalized within 2 years of inclusion. Both groups were followed up after 1 year. We assessed plasma levels of GDF15 and inflammatory biomarkers, frailty, nutritional status (mini nutritional assessment short-form), physical and cognitive function, and metabolic biomarkers. In Patients, elevated GDF15 levels at ED admission were associated with poorer resolution of inflammation (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor [suPAR]), slowing of gait speed, and declining nutritional status between admission and 30-day follow-up. At time of matching, Patients were frailer and overall less healthy than age-matched Controls. GDF15 levels were significantly associated with participant group, on average Patients had almost 60% higher GDF15 than age-matched Controls, and this difference was partly mediated by reduced physical function. Increases in GDF15 levels between time of matching and 1-year follow-up were associated with increases in levels of interleukin-6 in Patients, and tumor necrosis factor-α and suPAR in age-matched Controls. In older adults, elevated GDF15 levels were associated with signs of accelerated aging and with poorer recovery after acute illness.

Affective temperament, depressive symptoms and interleukins in patients with psoriasis.

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, in which psychological factors play an important role. In the studies of common markers of psoriasis and depression, the abnormal function of the stress axis in both diseases is highlighted, whereas interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 are indicated as particularly important.AimTo evaluate the relationship between the affective temperament traits and the intensity of depressive symptoms in patients with psoriasis in the context of immunoenzymatic markers.Material and methodsThe study included 208 subjects. Severity of psoriasis was assessed by PASI. TEMPS-A was applied for the evaluation of affective temperament and BDI was used for the assessment of the intensity of depressive symptoms. The level of cytokines was determined by means of the immunoenzymatic method.ResultsPatients presented a specific profile of affective temperament, with higher scores on depressive, anxious and irritable dimensions. The severity of depressive symptoms correlated positively with the severity of psoriasis. A significant correlation was found between IL-6 and the severity of psoriasis in patients with depressive disorders and psoriasis. No similar correlation was found in patients without depressive disorder.ConclusionsResults of the present study show common mechanisms for psoriasis and depression. Specific traits of affective temperament may play an important role in the clinical picture of both diseases. Higher levels of IL-6 in patients with psoriasis predispose to more frequent occurrence of depressive disorders and the depressive dimension of affective temperament.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum interleukins 6 and 10 integrated assessment in patients with acute period of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Prospective cohort research that included 104 patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SSICH) on the ground of conservative treatment was carried out. Diagnosis was made by using clinical and neurovisualization investigation. The diagnostic and prognostic informativeness of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) integrated assessment was investigated in patients with acute period of SSICH. Laboratory fasting blood samples were taken on the 1st and 5th day of admission with further detection of serum IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations. Early neurological deterioration and unfavorable acute period spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage outcome as grading 4­6 scores by modified Rankin scale on the 21st day of the disease were chosen as clinical combined endpoints. Lethal outcome and unfavorable functional outcome were also recorded. Three profile types of serum IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were identified on the ground of cluster analysis in patients with SSICH. It was revealed that profile’s types with reciprocal elevation of cytokines are associated with heavier brain structures affection and increased risk of early neurological deterioration (relative risk (95% Cl) = 3,40 (1,35-8,53), p=0,0091), lethal outcome (relative risk (95% Cl) = 7,50 (1,80-31,17), p=0,0056) and unfavorable acute period functional outcome (relative risk (95% Cl) = 2,28 (1,46-3,57), p=0,0003). Four types of IL-6 and IL-10 serum profile on the 5th day of admission were identified. In this case profiles with elevation IL-6 levels are associated with increased risk of unfavorable acute period SSICH outcome into 2,1 times (relative risk (95% Cl) = 2,13 (1,44-3,15), p=0,0002). Profile’s types of serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels in patients with SSICH are informative integrated parameter for short-term prognosis on the ground of conservative treatment. Keywords: cerebral hemorrhage, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, prognosis.

13742 The role of interleukin-6 in anemia associated with hidradenitis suppurativa

It is generally accepted that there is a high prevalence of anemia associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We recently reported a positive correlation between serum hepcidin, disease severity, and anemia. Our findings suggest chronic systemic inflammation may induce anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in HS. Upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been implicated in ACD. Despite evidence of elevated IL-6 in both ACD and HS, IL-6 levels in patients with comorbid HS and ACD are not well defined.

High levels of interleukin-6 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are associated with greater improvements in health-related quality of life for sarilumab compared with adalimumab

BackgroundIncreased levels of cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), reflect inflammation and have been shown to be predictive of therapeutic responses, fatigue, pain, and depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but limited data exist on associations between IL-6 levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This post hoc analysis of MONARCH phase III randomized controlled trial data evaluated the potential of baseline IL-6 levels to differentially predict HRQoL improvements with sarilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptor α (anti-IL-6Rα) versus adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor, both approved for treatment of active RA.MethodsBaseline serum IL-6 levels in 300/369 randomized patients were categorized into low (1.6–7.1 pg/mL), medium (7.2–39.5 pg/mL), and high (39.6–692.3 pg/mL) tertiles. HRQoL was measured at baseline and week (W)24 and W52 by Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical/mental component summary (PCS/MCS) and domain scores, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy -fatigue, and duration of morning stiffness visual analog scale (AM-stiffness VAS). Linear regression of changes from baseline in HRQoL (IL-6 tertile, treatment, region as a stratification factor, and IL-6 tertile-by-treatment interaction as fixed effects) assessed predictivity of baseline IL-6 levels, with low tertile as reference. Pairwise comparisons of improvements between treatment groups were performed by tertile; least squares mean differences and 95% CIs were calculated. Similar analyses evaluated W24 patient-level response on minimum clinically important differences (MCID).ResultsAt baseline, patients with high versus medium or low IL-6 levels (n = 100, respectively) reported worse (nominal p < 0.05) SF-36 MCS and role-physical, bodily pain, social functioning, role-emotional domain, and AM-stiffness VAS scores. There was a greater treatment effect with sarilumab versus adalimumab in high tertile versus low tertile groups in SF-36 PCS, physical functioning domain, and AM-stiffness VAS (nominal interaction p < 0.05). PCS improvements ≥MCID were higher in high (odds ratio [OR] 6.31 [2.37, 16.81]) versus low (OR 0.97 [0.43, 2.16]) tertiles with sarilumab versus adalimumab (nominal interaction p < 0.05). Adverse events between IL-6 tertiles were similar.ConclusionsPatients with high baseline IL-6 levels reported better improvements in PCS, physical functioning domain, and AM-stiffness scores with sarilumab versus adalimumab and safety consistent with IL-6R blockade.Trial registrationNCT02332590. Registered on 5 January 2015

Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Serum Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose To examine the diagnostic and prognostic roles of serum interleukin-6 levels in patients with uveitis. Methods This was a retrospective observational case series. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between Group One (sixty patients) with normal serum IL-6 levels and Group Two (twenty patients) with high serum interleukin-6 levels. Results Mean IL-6 level was 1.77 ± 0.97 pg/ml and 10.2 ± 9.7 pg/ml in Group One and Group Two respectively. Age, presence of systemic disease, and mean number of flare-ups were statistically significant (p = .015, p = .000, p = .03, respectively). Multivariate analysis was performed on variables that were statistically significant in univariate analysis and showed that three variables had significant correlation with IL-6 levels in both groups: systemic disease (OR = 10.83, p < .001), Age (OR = 0.95, p = .03) and number of flare-ups (OR = 2.9, p = .02). Conclusion Serum IL-6 levels can provide diagnostic and prognostic information in regard to the course of disease and its treatment.

Effect of Simvastatin in Serum Interleukin-6 Level in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Acute ischemic stroke is the leading cause of death and causing permanent disability in adults worldwide. In acute ischemic stroke, IL-6 levels positively correlated to more severe neurological deficits, more extensive brain damage and worse prognoses. The use of statin was associated with milder initial stroke severity, better functional outcome and lower mortality. This clinically randomized controlled trial study was aimed to analyze the serum levels of IL 6 in acute ischemic stroke patients who treated with Simvastatin 20 mg compare to placebo. Samples were taken using consecutive sampling method from hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients in Neurology Department of Dr. Soetomo Teaching Hospital Surabaya and Airlangga University Hospital Surabaya from August to November 2017. Total of 44 patients met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 22 patients in treatment group and 22 patients in control group. There were no significant difference in the characteristic of the patients in both groups (p&gt;0.05). Averages of serum IL-6 in the control and the treatment group are 38.594±74.313 and 17.760±25.253 (p=0,438) while averages of serum IL-6 post in the control group and the treatment are 46.586±103.484 and 15.275±17.183 (p=0,589). There were no significant level escalation in pre and post of control group (p=0.205) and also no significant level reduction in pre and post of treatment group (p=0.411), while the average difference in the control group (-7.992 ± 78.912 pg/ml) and in the treatment group (2.485 ± 23.738 pg/ml).

Correlation between premorbid IL-6 levels and COVID-19 mortality: Potential role for Vitamin D

There is recent evidence that interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in cases of complicated COVID-19, but it is also possible that this cytokine may have a far more important role in the pathogenesis of viral infection. IL-6 is known to be modulated by Vitamin D, and there is preliminary evidence that deficiency of this vitamin is linked to poorer outcomes. To identify whether IL-6 levels prior to infection might predict outcome, early data on COVID-19 mortality from Italy and the UK were compared with previously published results of mean IL-6 levels from these countries as well as from the USA. There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.9883; p = 0.00025) between age-stratified mortality rates and IL-6 levels from previously published data on healthy individuals. To determine whether Vitamin D may be beneficial at lowering IL-6 levels in patients, a limited analysis of trials examining the relationship between these entities published since 2015 was undertaken. Eight out of 11 studies described a significant lowering effect of Vitamin D on IL-6. Given that IL-6 likely facilitates viral cell entry and replication, levels prior to infection may predict mortality. This provides a rationale for prophylactic and therapeutic measures directed at lowering IL-6, including Vitamin D prescription.

Interleukin-6 in Very Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Limited data are available on interleukin-6 (IL-6) in very elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD); therefore, we evaluated IL-6 levels and their relationships with various disorders. Fifty patients were enrolled in the cross-sectional study: 34 with CAD—in the study group, 16 without CAD—in the control group. Patients’ age varied from 78 to 98 years; 53.1% of patients were > 90 years. Serum IL-6 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Elevated IL-6 levels were found in 49% of patients. Mean IL-6 concentration was 7.96 + 5.1 (1.5–30.6) pg/ml (N < 7.0). In patients aged < 90 years, mean IL-6 level was 6.7 + 3.2 pg/ml, in long-livers—9.1 + 6.2 pg/ml (p = 0.09). In patients with CAD, mean IL-6 concentration reached 10.9 pg/ml, in the control group—5.9 pg/ml (p = 0.02). Higher IL-6 levels were found in patients with heart failure (13.3 and 7.6 pg/ml, p = 0.04). The relative risk of high IL-6 levels in patients with heart failure was increased by 4.4. times (RR = 4.4; p = 0.02). Among patients with hyperuricemia, mean IL-6 values were 10.5 + 3.1 pg/ml, with normal uric acid—7.1 + 3.1 pg/ml (p = 0.001). Relative risk of high IL-6 levels in patients with hyperuricemia was increased by 9.7 times (RR = 9.7; p = 0.003). Positive correlations were found between IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (R = 0.34; p = 0.01), creatinine (R = 0.35; p = 0.01), and urea (R = 0.28; p = 0.05) concentrations. Regression analysis demonstrated that the most important factor for IL-6 levels was hyperuricemia (β = 0.7, p = 0.00003). The results of the study demonstrated a frequent IL-6 increase in very elderly patients with CAD along with relationships between IL-6, heart failure, and hyperuricemia.

Association study indicates combined effect of interleukin-10 and angiotensin-converting enzyme in basal cell carcinoma development.

Cytokines involved in inflammatory and immune response have been associated with risk for development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In this study, three functional DNA polymorphisms affecting gene expression were investigated in 54 BCC patients and 111 healthy controls: interleukin-1b (IL-1b) +3953C/T, interleukin-10 (IL-10) -1082G/A and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms. Significant increase of the variant alleles was observed in IL-10 -1082G (P = 0.019) and in ACE D (P = 0.003) in BCC patients in comparison to controls. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the contribution of homozygous and heterozygous variant polymorphisms to the risk for BCC development. The studied polymorphisms influencing the expression of IL-10 and ACE genes were recognized as potential predictive factors for BCC. These findings suggest a possible molecular mechanism leading to BCC development that is likely to involve the activation of angiotensin receptors in combination with increased plasma levels of IL-10 in patients.

Analysis of Interleukin-17 Levels in Patients with Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia or platelet deficiency is a condition, in which platelet level in the blood circulation is below normal, which is less than 150,000 cells/µl. Thrombocytopenia is classified into some conditions, including decreased platelet production, increased need for platelets, and other thrombocytopenia. The need for increased platelets can be subdivided into primary immune thrombocytopenia, secondary immune thrombocytopenia, non-primary ITP, and thrombocytopenia that are not immune-mediated. Several cytokines play a role in the process of thrombocytopenia, one of which is Interleukin-17 (IL-17) that will be further discussed in this study. A previous study reported that IL-17 production increased in ITP and cITP patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the IL-17 levels and figure out the differences in IL-17 levels in the serums of patients with primary ITP and secondary ITP. The samples were taken from Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and the specimens were examined in the Research Unit Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin/Hospital of Universitas Hasanuddin. The comparative test resulted in p-value = 0.005, where p &lt;α = 0.05; and therefore, there was a significant difference between IL 17 levels in ITP and non-primary ITP.