Interleukin-6 Levels In Patients Research Articles

Clinical significance of serum interleukin-6 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease

Clinical significance of serum interleukin-6 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease

No association between serum prolactin and IL-17 levels in patients with hyperprolactinemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus

Prolactin is a female hormone contributing to the production of milk in women with the immunologic functions. Moreover, it contributes to the pathogenesis of some diseases such as autoimmune diseases, and hyperprolactinemia. Previous studies showed interleukin 17 (IL-17) contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Given the prolactin may exert its pathologic effects through increasing IL-17 level, the levels of prolactin, and IL-17 were quantified, and their association was evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hyperprolactinemia patients. Therefore, the association between prolactin, and IL-17 levels in hyperprolactinemia, RA, and SLE patients was evaluated in this study. Four groups, including healthy individuals (n = 50), RA (n = 50), hyperprolactinemia (n = 50) and SLE (n = 35) were entered into the study. Patients were diagnosed according to the internationals criteria for recognition of RA, hyperprolactinemia and SLE. To measure the serum levels of prolactin, and IL-17, the ELISA method was used. Correlation analysis of prolactin, and IL-17 levels in each group showed that no association exists between the levels of the prolactin, and IL-17 in each group (p value > 0.05). Unexpectedly, patients in two autoimmune groups, RA and SLE, did not demonstrate significantly elevated level of prolactin (P-value > 0.05). In another unexpected finding, IL-17 level was not significantly higher in SLE patients (P-value > 0.05). Altogether, our results suggest that there was no association between prolactin, and IL-17 levels in hyperprolactinemia, RA, and SLE.

Possible association of elevated CSF IL-6 levels with anxiety and frustration in psychiatric disorders.

Neuroinflammation is an important causal factor for a variety of psychiatric disorders. We previously reported increased cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels in patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. The present study aimed to examine the possible association of interleukin-6 levels with anxiety and frustration, negative valence symptoms shared in various psychiatric disorders. We included 129 patients with psychiatric disorders and 70 controls. CSF and plasma interleukin-6 levels were measured by immunoassay kits, and psychological symptoms were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale. To examine regional cerebral blood flow, patients underwent arterial spin labeling analysis using magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels were significantly correlated with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-trait anxiety (r = 0.25, P = 0.046) and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale-autonomy frustration scores (r = 0.29, P = 0.018). Patients with abnormally high cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels (defined >97.5 percentile of the controls) had higher scores for trait anxiety (P = 0.035) and autonomy frustration (P = 0.026), and significantly increased regional cerebral blood flow in the left superior temporal gyrus, bilateral nucleus accumbens, and cerebellum than the remaining patients. Patients with elevated cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 constitute a subpopulation of psychiatric disorders associated with anxiety and autonomy frustration, which may be related to altered functions in specific brain areas.

Evaluation of Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: It has been suggested that inflammatory processes play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Individuals who develop type 2 diabetes show signs of low-grade inflammation years before disease onset. This low-grade inflammation has been assumed to be implicated in the pathogenetic mechanisms that cause type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Inflammatory mediators such as the IL-6 family of cytokines have been proposed to be involved in the events that lead to type 2 diabetes. IL-6 has immunoregulatory actions been proposed to affect glucose homeostasis and metabolism directly and indirectly by action on skeletal muscle cells, adipocytes, hepatocytes, pancreatic b-cells and neuroendocrine cells. Many studies have suggested the role of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, no references have been observed in Bangladesh regarding IL-6 and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It thus may highlight the importance of low-grade inflammation in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate type 2 diabetes patients' levels of interleukin-6. Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry Chittagong Medical College, Department of Endocrinology of Chittagong Medical College Hospital and Chattogram Diabetic Hospital. One hundred (100) type 2 diabetes mellitus patient was included in the study by nonprobability consecutive sampling. Important variables in this study were serum IL-6, BMI, waist circumference and duration of Diabetes Mellitus. Results: The mean serum IL-6 level was 10.08±0.39 pg/ml in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Serum IL-6 was positively correlated (r 0.33, p <0.01) with waist circumference and duration of diabetes mellitus (r 0.26, p <0.05). The mean IL-6 was significantly different between BMI groups (F (2,97) =5.39, p=0.006) and was higher in the obese group (10.52±4.00) compared to the overweight and normal BMI (6.78±1.95) and overweight (8.08±3.15) group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients had increased serum levels of IL-6. It can give an insight into the possible role of sub clinical inflammation among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. IAHS Medical Journal Volume 6(2) December 2023; 53-57

Association between IL and 6 gene polymorphisms and circulating IL-6 levels in Behcet’s disease: A meta-analysis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and Behçet’s disease (BD), and associations between polymorphisms in IL-6 gene and BD susceptibility. MethodA search of relevant articles was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and Web of Sciences databases. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed to assess circulating IL-6 levels in both the BD and control groups. Additionally, we investigated the association between the functional IL-6 promoter −174 G/C polymorphism and the risk of developing BD. ResultsNineteen studies involving 923 patients with BD and 910 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated a significant elevation in circulating IL-6 levels in the BD group than in the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.600, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.732–2.496, P<0.001). Furthermore, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the active disease group than in the inactive disease group (SMD=1.292, 95 % CI=0.059–2.525, P<0.001). Intriguingly, the meta-analysis revealed an association between BD and the IL-6 CC+CG genotype in Arabs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.588, 95 % CI=0.393–0.881, P=0.010), whereas no such association was observed in European or Asian populations. ConclusionsOur meta-analysis revealed significantly higher circulating IL-6 levels in patients with BD and found evidence of association between IL and 6 promoter −174 G/C and BD susceptibility.

Assessing the Impact of IL-6 and Serotonin on Pain and Symptomatology in Fibromyalgia: An Exploratory Clinical Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain and a variety of other symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of FM. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serotonin with the clinical parameters observed in patients with fibromyalgia. Additionally, it sought to analyze the similarities and differences among the different groups classified by symptom severity. This cross-sectional study included 26 female patients aged 20-70 diagnosed with FM according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 criteria and 14 healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of IL-6 and serotonin were measured using electrochemiluminescence and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. FM patients exhibited significantly higher pain scores (VAS), anxiety, and depression levels compared to HCs. FIQ-R scores were significantly elevated in FM patients, with stratification showing 3.8% mild, 65.4% moderate, 23.1% severe, and 7.7% very severe cases. While no significant difference in IL-6 levels was observed between the FM patients and HCs, a trend towards increased IL-6 levels in patients with higher FIQ-R scores was noted. Serum serotonin levels were significantly lower in the FM patients than in the HCs, with moderate patients having lower levels than those classified as severe and very severe. The study underscores the potential role of IL-6 and serotonin in the pathophysiology of FM, suggesting that these biomarkers could be relevant in assessing the severity and impact of FM. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and their implications for developing personalized treatment strategies.

Assessment of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Insulin Sensitivity by Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β Syndrome.

Background: Resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ) is a rare disease resulting from mutations in the THRB gene, characterized by reduced T3 action in tissues with high thyroid hormone receptor β expression. Thyroid hormones regulate body composition and metabolism in general, and increased or decreased hormone levels are associated with insulin resistance. This study evaluated the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and insulin sensitivity in patients with RTHβ. Methods: In all, 16 patients, 8 adults (52.3 ± 16.3 years of age) and 8 children (10.9 ± 3.9 years of age), were compared to 28 control individuals matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometry evaluation and blood samples were collected for glycemia, lipids, insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, adiponectin, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (CRPus), free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine, thyrotropin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase measurements. Body composition was assessed using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated in adult patients and controls using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC), whereas homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated in all individuals studied. Results: Patients and controls presented similar weight, BMI, abdominal perimeter, and total fat body mass. Patients with RTHβ demonstrated higher total cholesterol (TC), p = 0.04, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), p = 0.03, but no alteration was observed in other parameters associated with metabolic risk, such as leptin, TNF-α, and CRPus. Two adult patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was no evidence of insulin resistance assessed by HEC or HOMA-IR. Elevated IL-6 levels were observed in patients with RTHβ. Conclusion: Using HEC as the gold standard method, no evidence of reduced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle was documented in RTHβ adult patients; however, higher levels of TC and LDL-C were observed in these patients, which suggest the need for active monitoring of this abnormality to minimize cardiometabolic risk. In addition, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the increase in IL-6 levels in patients with RTHβ is probably secondary to metabolic causes as they have normal levels of TNF-α and CRPus, which may contribute to an increase in cardiovascular risk. A larger number of patients must be studied to confirm these results.

Prognostic value of interleukin-6 serum levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A case-control study in Iran.

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate that is challenging to treat. Cytokine storm is a crucial factor leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients. Identifying factors that predict the severity of the disease may be primarily prognostic to guide drug therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19. This case-control study was conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 at Shahid Faqihi hospital in Iran. Fifty hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy individuals were included while controlling demographics and comorbidities. IL-6 serum levels were measured and compared based on demographic characteristics (age, sex) and comorbidities in the case and control groups. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was also used to analyze the correlations between IL-6 levels and lung involvement in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, some laboratory parameters were compared based on the percentage of lung involvement. The level of IL-6 in the case group was significantly higher than the control (p ˂ 0.001). We observed a positive and significant correlation between the level of IL-6 and the severity of lung involvement (r = 0.0.79, p < 0.01). The median level of IL-6 in patients who showed more than 75% lung involvement was 573 (IQR = 320-850). Available evidence suggests that high levels of IL-6 are associated with the severity of COVID-19. According to the results, it could be proposed that inhibition of IL-6 might be a target for therapeutic managements to reduce mortality in the patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of interleukin-18 levels in patients affected by multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: analysis and review of the literature.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a preneoplastic disease that often precedes multiple myeloma. The multistep evolutionary pattern of multiple myeloma is driven by genetic instability, a pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment, and tumor growth. Inflammation has long been recognized as a factor in both the onset and progression of cancer. In this study, interleukin-18 plasma levels were compared in patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, as well as in a group of healthy controls. Our study shows that monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients have lower levels of interleukin-18 than healthy controls (521.657 ± 168.493 pg/ml vs. 1,266.481 ± 658.091 pg/ml for controls, p < 0.001). Thus, we discovered a significant difference in interleukin-18 levels between multiple myeloma patients and controls (418.177 ± 197.837 pg/ml; p = 0.001). In our work, we identified a reduction of interleukin-18 in monoclonal gammopathies. Furthermore, in this paper, we aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the potential mechanisms of action of this pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development of these diseases.

Salivary interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 levels in patients with celiac disease and periodontitis.

An increased level of interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 in the serum and intestinal mucosa of celiac disease patients reflecting the severity of villous atrophy and inflammation was documented. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of salivary-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 in patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet, both with and without periodontitis, and to compare these levels with those in healthy individuals. The study involved 23 participants with serologically confirmed celiac disease (CD) and 23 control subjects. The CD patients had been following a gluten-free diet (GFD) for a minimum of 1 year and had no other autoimmune disorders. The research involved collecting demographic data, conducting periodontal examinations, gathering unstimulated whole saliva, and performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure salivary interleukin-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 levels. Spearman's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the relationships between CD markers in patients on a GFD and their periodontal clinical findings. The periodontal findings indicated significantly lower values in celiac disease patients adhering to a gluten-free diet compared to control subjects (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found in salivary IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-1B levels between celiac disease patients and control subjects. Nevertheless, the levels of all interleukins were elevated in periodontitis patients in both the celiac and control groups. The IL-1 Beta level was significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared to non-periodontitis patients in the control group (p = 0.035). Significant negative correlations were observed between serum IgA levels and plaque index (r = -0.460, p = 0.010), as well as gingival index (r = -0.396, p = 0.030) in CD patients on a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease patients on gluten-free diet exhibited better periodontal health compared to control subjects. However, increased levels of salivary IL-17A, IL-18 and IL-1B levels were associated with periodontitis. Additionally, serum IgA level was significantly inversely associated with periodontitis clinical manifestations and with salivary inflammatory mediators in CD patients on GFD.

Interleukin6 level in patients admitted with fever for evaluation in a tertiary infectious disease hospital

Interleukin6 level in patients admitted with fever for evaluation in a tertiary infectious disease hospital

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Pentraxin 3, Interleukin-6, CRP, and Procalcitonin Levels in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock.

In this prospective study, we aim to evaluate the effects of antibiotherapy on pentraxin-3 (PTX3), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with sepsis and septic shock. In our study, CRP, procalcitonin, IL-6, and PTX3 levels at initial and 48 hours of the antibiotherapy of patients who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock between June 2020 and March 2021 were compared. Patients were compared with the age-appropriate case-control group formed from the patients who received pre-operative routines to investigate the diagnostic value. CRP, IL-6, and PTX3 levels of the patients were significantly higher compared to controls (P < 0.05). After the 48th hour of treatment compared to initial CRP, lactate and PCT levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The IL-6 and PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with mortality than in surviving patients. Surviving patients showed a significant decrease in CRP level at the 48th hour. IL-6 levels of patients with septic shock were significantly higher than those with sepsis (P = 0.010; P < 0.05). In the diagnosis of septic shock, the area under curve was 0.785 for IL-6 and the standard deviation was 0.09 (P = 0.002, cut-off value, >32 pg/mL, 88.9% sensitivity, 65.6% specifity). The results of this study indicated that IL-6 level is an appropriate biomarker with high specificity in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock and in evaluating the response to treatment and determining the prognosis.

TNF-alpha and IL-10 Levels in Iraqi PCOS and Non-PCOS Patients Undergoing ICSI: An Immunological Perspective

Background: Essential cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) play a critical role in immune regulation, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To compare TNF-α and IL-10 levels in patients with and without PCOS undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and their effects on ICSI. outcome Methods: This study involved a cohort of 125 patients undergoing ICSI, divided into two groups: those identified with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria (n=65) and those without PCOS (n=60). The ELIZA method was used to measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in the blood in order to see if they were related to PCOS and to look into a possible connection between these cytokines and the outcome of the ICSI. Results: Significant differences were found in the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-10 between the two groups, suggesting a distinct immunological profile in PCOS patients undergoing fertility treatment. There is no significant correlation between these cytokines and the total number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, or pregnancy rate. Conclusions: The study revealed notable differences in serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels between PCOS and non-PCOS groups, suggesting a unique immunological profile in PCOS patients undergoing fertility treatments. Both cytokines did not significantly correlate with the total number of retrieved oocytes, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, or pregnancy rate. Other factors might be more influential in determining crucial fertility outcomes.

Elevated Salivary IL-8 Levels in Patients with Aphthous Ulceration and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Aphthous ulcers (AU) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are conditions marked by inflammation, with Interleukin 8 (IL-8) playing a significant role in their pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the levels of IL-8 in saliva among individuals with AU, RA, both conditions and healthy controls, providing insights into its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods: The study, endorsed by the Ethics Committee of the University of Kufa, College of Dentistry, Department of Oral Pathology, employed a descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional approach. Participants included patients with AU, RA, both conditions and a control group, totalling 94 individuals. Exclusion criteria encompassed medication use, other systemic conditions, and lifestyle factors like smoking. Saliva and blood samples were collected for IL-8 concentration measurement using ELISA and for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and anti-CCP analysis. Results: Analysis showed the highest average salivary IL-8 levels in patients with both AU and RA (483.33 ± 141.20 pg/mL), followed by the RA group (338.57 ± 79.11 pg/mL), the AU group (381 ± 108.48 pg/mL), and the control group (213.69 ± 84.65 pg/mL). Significant differences in IL-8 levels were observed between these groups, with the combined AU and RA groups showing the highest concentrations. However, the variation in IL-8 levels between those who have both AU and RA and those with only RA was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study highlights a distinct elevation in salivary IL-8 levels in patients with AU and RA, particularly in those suffering from both conditions.

Interleukin 6 Levels and Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

Various studies have suggested interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a potential biomarker for detecting disease activity in Takayasu arteritis. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess differences in IL-6 levels in patients with active (aTA) and inactive Takayasu arteritis (iTA), as well as healthy controls (HCs), using validated activity scores. Study quality and the risk of bias were assessed using STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and the Newcastle-Ottawa and Joanna Briggs checklist, respectively. For the meta-analysis, we pooled the raw mean IL-6 levels in each group and then estimated and pooled the crude mean differences between the groups. We applied a random-effects model in all analyses. Of the 93 eligible articles, 10 were included after removing duplicates and studies that met the exclusion criteria. Overall, 1825 patients with a mean age ranging from 24 to 40.6 years were included. The pooled levels of IL-6 increased depending on disease activity as follows: HCs: 3.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-5.28), iTA: 7.21 (3.61-10.82), and aTA: 22.67 (12.44-32.91) pg/mL. Patients with aTA had higher IL-6 levels than HCs (21.52 [95% CI, -0.43 to 43.47]) and those with iTA (16.69 [95% CI, 5.32-28.06]), whereas IL-6 levels were not different between HCs and patients with iTA (3.62 [95% CI, -13.18 to 20.42]). Interleukin 6 levels are significantly increased in patients with aTA compared with those with iTA and HCs but not in patients with iTA compared with HCs. More studies are needed to establish the IL-6 cutoff value for assessing disease activity.

The effect of inflammation markers on cortical thinning in major depressive disorder: A possible mediator of depression and cortical changes

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition with significant societal impact. Owing to the intricate biological diversity of MDD, treatment efficacy remains limited. Immune biomarkers have emerged as potential predictors of treatment response, underscoring the interaction between the immune system and the brain. This study investigated the relationship between cytokine levels and cortical thickness in patients with MDD, focusing on the corticolimbic circuit, to elucidate the influence of neuroinflammation on structural brain changes and contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD. MethodA total of 114 patients with MDD and 101 healthy controls (HC) matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were recruited. All participants were assessed for depression severity using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and 3.0 T T1 weighted brain MRI data were acquired. Additionally, cytokine levels were measured using a highly sensitive bead-based multiplex immunosorbent assay. ResultsPatients diagnosed with MDD exhibited notably elevated levels of interleukin-6 (p = 0.005) and interleukin-8 (p = 0.005), alongside significant cortical thinning in the left anterior cingulate gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus, with these findings maintaining significance even after applying Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, increased interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels in patients with MDD are associated with alterations in the left frontomarginal gyrus and right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). ConclusionsThis suggests a potential influence of neuroinflammation on right ACC function in MDD patients, warranting longitudinal research to explore interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 mediated neurotoxicity in MDD vulnerability and brain morphology changes.

Mutual communication between radiosensitive and radioresistant esophageal cancer cells modulates their radiosensitivity

Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality for patients with esophageal cancer; however, the response to radiation varies among different tumor subpopulations due to tumor heterogeneity. Cancer cells that survive radiotherapy (i.e., radioresistant) may proliferate, ultimately resulting in cancer relapse. However, the interaction between radiosensitive and radioresistant cancer cells remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that the mutual communication between radiosensitive and radioresistant esophageal cancer cells modulated their radiosensitivity. Radiosensitive cells secreted more exosomal let-7a and less interleukin-6 (IL-6) than radioresistant cells. Exosomal let-7a secreted by radiosensitive cells increased the radiosensitivity of radioresistant cells, whereas IL-6 secreted by radioresistant cells decreased the radiosensitivity of radiosensitive cells. Although the serum levels of let-7a and IL-6 before radiotherapy did not vary significantly between patients with radioresistant and radiosensitive diseases, radiotherapy induced a more pronounced decrease in serum let-7a levels and a greater increase in serum IL-6 levels in patients with radioresistant cancer compared to those with radiosensitive cancer. The percentage decrease in serum let-7a and the percentage increase in serum IL-6 levels at the early stage of radiotherapy were inversely associated with tumor regression after radiotherapy. Our findings suggest that early changes in serum let-7a and IL-6 levels may be used as a biomarker to predict the response to radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer and provide new insights into subsequent treatments.

Serum levels of Interleukin-6 in patients with Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A case control study in Najaf Province

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a disease caused by a compression of the median nerve at the wrist within carpal canal that lead to multiple symptoms as paraesthesia, numbness and pain sensation in the median distribution fingers. If untreated, it leads to sensation loss, thenar muscle weakness and atrophy. It is most frequent peripheral neuropathy of upper limbs and is most predominant in female gender. The pathogenesis of CTS is yet unknown, and the majority of conditions are idiopathic. Interleukin 6 is a cytokine that has multiple functions including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory or regenerative actions. The impact of serum inflammatory cytokines on incidence and severity of CTS is still unclear. Aim of the study: this study aims to correlate the clinical severity of CTS and the serum interleukin 6 concentrations. Patients and methods: This is a case control study which involved 140 participants who were categorized into 70 patients with CTS and 70 healthy persons according to clinical assessment and nerve conduction study results. After that, the participants were divided to normal, mild, moderate and severe groups according to Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ). Then, a blood sample was taken from each participant to assess serum interleukin 6 levels. A statistical analysis by SPSS was done for the collected data. Results: The study has shown that there was no significant correlation between serum interleukin 6 levels and the clinical severity score of CTS (P value &gt;0.05). Conclusion: It has been concluded that serum interleukin 6 levels did not have an impact on incidence and clinical severity of CTS and that its role in CTS is yet unclear.

Relationship between serum interleukin-6 levels and severity of coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundCytokines play a potential role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression. We investigated the association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) with the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThree hundred ten angiografically diagnosed CAD patients and 210 controls were enrolled in this study. CAD patients were stratified according to IL-6 cut-off value into high levels IL-6 group (≥ 9.5 pg/mL) and low levels IL-6 group (< 9.5 pg/mL). The severity of CAD was assessed according to Gensini score (GS), artery stenosis degree and the number of vessels involved. The mean age was 60.3 ± 11.0 years.ResultsThe level of IL-6 in patients was increased compared to controls and ranged from 1.5 to 3640.0 pg/mL. High levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with high levels of GS (> 40) but not with stenosis degree and vessel score. GS levels were significantly more elevated in patients with high levels of IL-6 group than in low IL6 levels patients (60.6 ± 39.5 vs 46.7 ± 37.2; p = 0.027). The analysis of the ROC curve performed in myocardial infarction patients showed that IL-6 (AUC: 0.941 (CI 95% 0.886, 0.997; p < 0.001) could be a powerful predictor marker in evaluating the infarct size after myocardial infarction when compared to myonecrosis biomarkers.ConclusionsIL-6 levels were associated with the severity of CAD assessed by the GS. Based on the highest levels of IL-6 measured in patients with STEMI, our study strongly suggests that IL-6 could be a powerful marker in evaluating the myocardial necrosis.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT03075566 (09/03/2017).

C‑reactive protein and related predictors in soft tissue sarcoma (Review).

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a useful predictor of poor survival in patients with several types of cancer because inflammation is strongly associated with cancer progression. The production of CRP in hepatocytes appears to be primarily induced at the transcriptional level following the elevation of circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is produced by various cell types, including cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Serum CRP levels are associated with serum IL-6 levels in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Additionally, patients with elevated CRP levels had worse oncological outcomes than those with normal CRP levels. It has been attempted to combine CRP levels with other inflammatory or immune markers, and the utility of this has been demonstrated. Therefore, a novel treatment strategy should be developed for patients with STS with elevated CRP levels. The present review aimed to clarify the role of CRP levels and related tools in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with STS.