Serum Interleukin-6 In Patients Research Articles

Impact of serum IL-10 level on the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients and the development of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis

A characteristic feature of the cytokine storm in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the dramatic elevation of serum interleukin 10 (IL-10). This may be a negative feedback mechanism to suppress inflammation. However, this IL-10 elevation may contribute to COVID-19 severity. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of serum IL-10 level on patients' clinical outcome and the incidence of post-COVID19 pulmonary fibrosis. This was a prospective observational study, included 100 patients, confirmed to have COVID-19, Of these, 50 patients had COVID-19 without evidence of pneumonia in computed tomography (CT) scans (group I) and the other 50 patients had COVID-19 pneumonia (group II). Our results showed a significant increase in serum ferritin level in patients with COVID pneumonia. However, no difference was found in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) nor D-Dimer between both groups. There was a statistically significant increase in serum IL-10 in patients with COVID pneumonia compared with COVID patients without pneumonia (p<0.001). Fibrosis was developed in 35 patients (70%) with COVID pneumonia after 3 months and 4 of them died, however, all patients without pneumonia survived. Among age, serum IL-10, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), elevated serum IL-10 was found to be an independent predictor of pneumonia (p=0.32). However, there was no significant effect for IL-10 on patients’ clinical outcome. There was a statistically significant correlation between serum IL-10 levels and oxygen (O2) demand, CRP and D-Dimer (p= 0.015, p=0.034 and p=0.042, respectively). The higher the level of IL-10 the less fibrosis detected in follow up CT scans (p=0.038). In conclusion, even though IL-10 was significantly associated with disease severity (higher in pneumonia), elevated serum Il-10 has an independent role in decreasing the incidence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.

Assessment of serum interleukin 6 in a sample of Egyptian patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundInflammation has been demonstrated to play a pathophysiological function in schizophrenia. Raised interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels have been the most consistently linked to schizophrenia. It was hypothesized that IL-6 contributed to the development of both adverse and beneficial symptoms.The aim of the study was to estimate the level of serum IL-6 in patients with schizophrenia and its relation to positive in addition to negative symptoms.Patient and methodsThis case–control descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients, divided into two groups: 20 individuals in Group A (patients group) were treatment-naive for their first episode of schizophrenia, and 20 volunteers in Group B (control group) were matched for gender and age to the patient group. Both groups were evaluated for their serum interleukin-6 levels using the ELISA method. Patients and controls were recruited from the Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, and Ain Shams University Hospitals.ResultsCases with schizophrenia who were experiencing their first episode and had not yet begun any form of therapy had a considerably higher mean serum IL-6 level compared to the healthy control group.ConclusionThe level of serum interleukin 6 in first-episode treatment-naïve individuals with schizophrenia is higher than that of healthy controls, revealing a probable underlying immunological pathology. However, serum interleukin-6 levels were not significantly correlated with positive, negative, or general psychopathology symptoms.

Serum Interleukin-6 in Schizophrenia: Associations with Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics.

Recently a significant part of schizophrenia studies have been focused on the role of cytokines, especially interleukin-6 (IL-6). Some authors have suggested a pathogenetic role for IL-6 in schizophrenia and concluded that therapy that centers on suppressing IL-6 activity may prove beneficial for certain categories of patients with the disorder. However, many questions about whether the changes in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia are primary, related to symptoms or caused by therapy, are concomitant metabolic disorders, are related to smoking or other secondary factors remain unanswered. To assess the level of serum IL-6 in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with healthy controls, as well as to study its association with clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. Some 125 patients with schizophrenia and 95 healthy volunteers were examined. The evaluation of IL-6 was performed by enzyme immunoassay. All patients were assessed using standardized psychometric instruments. Information from patient medical records on the course of the disease and treatment was analyzed. The level of IL-6 was significantly higher in the patients than in the healthy volunteers (z=2.58; p=0.0099), but among men the difference between the patients and volunteers was not significant. Statistically significant correlations were found between the level of serum IL-6 and the severity of the cognitive impairment of patients: (auditory [ρ=-0.31; p=0.00063] and working memory [ρ=-0.25; p=0.0065], hand-eye coordination [ρ=-0.29; p=0.0011], verbal fluency [ρ=-0.28; p=0.0019] and problem-solving capacity [ρ=-0.22; p=0.013]), total severity of schizophrenia symptoms (PANSS, ρ=0.22; p=0.016), PANSS positive subscale (ρ=0.18; p=0.048), and the age of manifestation (ρ=0.20; p=0.025) and disease duration (ρ=0.18; p=0.043). The level of IL-6 was the lowest in patients treated with third-generation antipsychotics, and the highest in those treated with first-generation antipsychotics (H=6.36; p=0.042). Moreover, in hospital patients, the level of IL-6 was significantly higher than in outpatients and inpatients hospitals (H=18.59; p=0.0001). The study confirmed that there are associations between the serum IL-6 level and schizophrenia, the age of the patient, duration of the disease and how late in one's life cycle it began manifesting itself, as well as a number of clinical characteristics. Considering that IL-6 is associated with a wide range of symptoms that are loosely controlled by antipsychotics, this biochemical marker needs to be studied to look into how closely its level tracks with an unfavorable course of schizophrenia. That would require further prospective studies.

Cytokines Profile in Patients with Hydatidosis in Babylon Province, Iraq

Background: Hydatidosis is caused by infection with the larval stage of the Cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Objective: In vitro quantitative evaluation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), INF-gamma (INF-γ), and CD4 and CD8 molecules during hydatidosis infection and control group. Materials and Methods: In vitro quantitative determination of IL-6, INF-γ, and CD4 and CD8 molecules in serum of hydatidosis-infected patients using serological test Sandwich-ELISA. Results: The result showed a significant difference in serum IL-6 in patients with hydatidosis than in the control group (38.753 ± 18.307 pg/mL) and 11.752 ± 3.328, respectively; the differences were highly significant (P < 0.0001). The mean of serum CD4 molecules concentration was 5.475 ± 2.335 (ng/mL) and 3.154 ± 1.027 (ng/mL) for controls groups with P value ≤ 0.0001, while serum concentration of soluble CD8 was 2.977 ± 1.321 (ng/mL) and 1.152 ± 0.699 (ng/mL) for control group with (P value ≤ 0.0001). The ratio of CD4/CD8 was 1.841 in hydatidosis infection patients compared with control group (2.737). Conclusion: Immunological parameters included in the present study (IL-6, IFN-γ, CD4 and CD8) showed high levels among patients with hydatidosis infection compared to healthy control.

Peripheral blood IL-6 levels in systemic sclerosis patients: Correlation between IL-6 levels and clinical phenotypes.

Detect the expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and assess its association with clinical and laboratory features of the disease. The clinical data from 50 patients with SSc in the affiliated hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, China were retrospectively analyzed. The level of IL-6 in peripheral blood of systemic sclerosis patients was compared between the different clinical phenotypes groups. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of the IL-6 with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), creatinine, and cystatin C. Interleukin-6 increased in the disease course ≥5 years, systemic sclerosis-Interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), gastrointestinal involvement, and cardiac involvement group compared with the group with disease course <5 years, no SSc-ILD, PAH, gastrointestinal involvement, and no cardiac involvement group. The differences were statistically significant (p< 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that IL-6 in the group with disease course ≥5 years had a positive correlation with ESR (Rs=0.438, p=0.022) and CRP (Rs=0.825, P < 0.001), whereas it was negatively correlated with creatinine (Rs=-0.481, p=0.011). Nevertheless, when it came to disease course <5 years, the figures had no statistically significant difference. Serum IL-6 in patients with systemic sclerosis is related to different clinical phenotypes. IL-6 helps to diagnose various phases of diseases, monitor severities of diseases, and predict the prognosis of patients.

The frequencies of peripheral blood CD5+CD19+ B cells, CD3\u2212CD16+CD56+ NK, and CD3+CD56+ NKT cells and serum interleukin-10 in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica syndrome disease (NMOSD) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. The pathogenesis and treatments for these two conditions are very different. Natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells are immune cells with an important role in shaping the immune response. B cells are involved in antigen presentation as well as antibody and cytokine production. There is conflicting evidence of the roles of NK, NKT, and B cells in the two conditions. We aimed to compare the frequency of CD3−CD16+CD56+NK, CD3+ CD56+ NKT, and CD5+CD19+ B cells in the peripheral blood and serum Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with MS and NMOSD.MethodsCD19+CD5+ B, CD3− CD16+CD56+ NK, and CD3+CD56+ NKT cells were quantitated by flow cytometry in 15 individuals with Interferon-Beta (IFN-β) treated relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 15 untreated RRMS, and 15 NMOSD patients as well as 30 healthy controls (HC). Serum IL-10 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe percentage of CD3−CD56+CD16+ NK cells in the peripheral blood of IFN-treated MS (1.81 ± 0.87) was significantly lower than for untreated RRMS (4.74 ± 1.80), NMOSD (4.64 ± 1.26) and HC (5.83 ± 2.19) (p < 0.0001). There were also differences for the percentage of CD3−CD16+ and CD3−CD56+ cells (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0007; respectively). IFN-treated RRMS (2.89 ± 1.51) had the lowest proportion of CD3+CD56+ among the study groups (p < 0.002). Untreated RRMS (5.56 ± 3.04) and NMOSD (5.47 ± 1.24) had higher levels of CD3+CD56+ than the HC (3.16 ± 1.98). The mean percentage of CD19+CD5+ B cells in the peripheral blood of untreated RRMS patients (1.32 ± 0.67) was higher compared to the patients with NMOSD (0.30 ± 0.20), HC (0.5 ± 0.22) and IFN-treated RRMS (0.81 ± 0.17) (p < 0.0001). Serum interleukin-10 was significantly higher in the IFN-treated RRMS (8.06 ± 5.39) and in HC (8.38 ± 2.84) compared to untreated RRMS (5.07 ± 1.44) and the patients with NMOSD (5.33 ± 2.56) (p < 0.003).ConclusionsThe lower proportion of CD3−CD56+ CD16+ NK and CD3+CD56+ cells in peripheral blood of IFN-treated RRMS compared to other groups suggests the importance of immunomodulation in patients with RRMS disorder. Based on the differences in CD19+CD5+ B cells and serum IL-10 between patients and HC, supplementary assessments could be of value in clarifying their roles in autoimmunity.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a state-dependent association with asthma: The role of systemic inflammation in a population-based birth cohort followed from childhood to adulthood

There is a high comorbidity between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and asthma, and inflammation has been proposed as a potential pathophysiological mechanism behind this association. Most studies conducted so far have used a cross-sectional design, and none has evaluated the prevalence of asthma symptoms in patients with ADHD followed from childhood to adulthood. We relied on data from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort to evaluate the association between ADHD and asthma in patients with distinct patterns of incidence, persistence and remission, and to explore the potential role of inflammatory markers in the comorbidity. We analyzed data from 3281 individuals from the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort collected at birth (1993), 11 years (2004), 18 years (2011), and 22 years (2015). Subjects were first classified according to their ADHD and asthma status as early-onset (EO) persistent (positive screening for ADHD at 11 years and diagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-5, except criterion E, at either 18 or 22 years), EO-remittent (positive screening for ADHD at 11 years only), late-onset (diagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-5, except criterion E, at 18 or 22 years only), or healthy subjects (negative for both conditions in all evaluation). After controlling for confounders, significant associations were observed between EO-remittent ADHD and EO-remittent asthma (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.11–2.55), EO-persistent ADHD and EO-persistent asthma (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.65–11.34), and between late-onset ADHD and late-onset asthma (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.28–2.70), suggesting a state-dependent association. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at the 18- and 22-year evaluations and compared between subjects positive for ADHD, asthma, and subjects with both or none conditions, regardless of the previously defined trajectories. Subjects with comorbid ADHD and asthma presented higher levels of IL-6 at the 18- and 22-year evaluations when compared to subjects negative for both conditions. Our results demonstrate a state-dependent association between ADHD and asthma despite underlying trajectories. Higher levels of serum IL-6 in patients with both conditions suggest that a pro-inflammatory environment might have a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the comorbidity.

A prediction model of enteral nutrition complicated with severe diarrhea in ICU patients based on CD55.

Severe diarrhea is a common complication of enteral nutrition in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. CD55 not only plays a vital role in immune but also plays a crucial role in intestinal function. We intended to build a prediction model of enteral nutrition complicated with severe diarrhea in ICU patients based on CD55. This was a prospective, single-center, observational study. We collected 116 patients with enteral nutrition in the ICU. We collected blood samples from patients at the time of admission, tested blood biomarkers [CD55, interleukin-10 (IL-10), diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid and endotoxin], and recorded daily defecation and enteral nutrition. Finally, through multi-factor logistic regression model, a prediction model based on multiple prediction indicators was formed, and new joint predictive factors were calculated. The prediction model of enteral nutrition complicated with severe diarrhea in ICU patients was constructed through data processing analysis. A total of 116 adult patients with enteral nutrition were divided into two groups: 77 patients without severe diarrhea and 39 with severe diarrhea. Compared with patients without severe diarrhea, CD55 on granulocyte membrane surface(gCD55) of patients with severe diarrhea was significantly reduced (P<0.0001), and CD55 on erythrocyte membrane surface(eCD55) of patients with diarrhea was significantly reduced (P<0.0001), serum IL-10 in patients with diarrhea significantly decreased compared with those without diarrhea, P<0.0001.The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUCROC) was 0.919 in gCD55 predicting severe diarrhea, when cutoff value =99.95%, the optimal sensitivity was 96.2%, and specificity was 100%. The AUROC of eCD55 and IL-10 in predicting severe diarrhea was 0.658 and 0.558 respectively. Based on this, a prediction model was established. The prediction model was: In[P/(1- P)] =-24.68 gCD55 -2.26 eCD55 +0.0041 IL-10 +2,691, the goodness of fit test of the model was P=0.44, and the AUCROC of the model was 0.92. gCD55 and eCD55 had certain predictive value in enteral nutrition complicated with severe diarrhea.

Evaluation of immunological role of Interferon gamma, Interleukin-10 and CD4+ T lymphocytes in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with increased levels of multiple cytokines as interferon gamma (IFN-γ) during vaso-occlusive (VOC) crisis and steady state. Therefore, we aimed to explore theimmunological role of serum IFN-γ, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and CD4+ T lymphocytes in children with SCD at steady state and VOC. This study was conducted on 30 children with SCD (15 at steady state and 15 in VOC) and 30 healthy children as controls. Detailed history, complete physical, clinical examination and laboratory investigations as: complete blood count, serum ferritin, IFN-γ, IL-10 and CD4+ T lymphocytes for all patients were recorded. Results: Significant increase in serum IFN-γ in patients with SCD during VOC compared with patients at steady state and controls (P<0.001). Significant increase in serum IL-10 in patients with SCD at steady state compared with those during VOC and controls (P=0.008 and P=0.04 respectively). CD4 +T lymphocyte decreased in patients with SCD during VOC compared with those at steady state and controls (P<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between serum IFN-ɣ and number of crisis per year (r=0.648, P=0.0001). Serum IFN-γ was increased in patients with history of frequent crisis per year (P=0.001) and decreased in patients under hydroxyurea therapy (P<0.001). IFN-γ was increased in SCD patients. Increased IFN-γ production in SCD suggesting that functionally activated natural killer cells reflecting a host immunological mechanism leading to antigen antibody activation in SCD. Serum IL-10 increased in SCD patients at steady state. CD4 +T lymphocyte decreased in patients during VOC.

Label-Free Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Used to Detect Serum Interleukin-10 in Patients with Endometrial Cancer

Label-Free Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Used to Detect Serum Interleukin-10 in Patients with Endometrial Cancer

Associations of IL-18 and IL-9 expressions and gene polymorphisms with asthma.

To explore the associations of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-9 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to asthma, and to study the associations between IL-18 and IL-9 expression levels and polymorphisms. A total of 200 asthma patients in our hospital were collected as disease group, while 200 healthy people were taken as control group. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from peripheral blood and sent to the company for the detection of IL-18 and IL-9 gene polymorphisms via sequencing. The levels of serum IL-18 and IL-9 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and arterial blood gas analysis was performed for patients. The allele distributions at IL-18 gene loci rs189667 and rs360715 had no differences between control group and disease group. The allele distributions at IL-9 gene loci rs1859430 and rs2066758 were different between the two groups (p=0.001, p=0.022), among which the G allele frequency was the highest in disease group [245 (0.613)], and the T allele frequency was also the highest in disease group [240 (0.600)]. There was a difference in the genotype distribution at IL-9 gene locus rs1859430 between the two groups, and the GG genotype frequency in disease group [82 (0.410)] was significantly higher than that in control group (p=0.005). The CC genotype frequency at rs2066758 was significantly lower in disease group [27 (0.135), p=0.044]. In disease group, the frequency of heterozygous model CT (p=0.047) at IL-18 gene locus rs360715, and recessive model GA+AA (p=0.021) and heterozygous model GA (p=0.031) at IL-19 gene locus rs1859430 was significantly lower than that in control group. In disease group, the AC haplotype frequency at IL-18 gene loci rs189667 and rs360715 was evidently lower than that in control group (p=0.048). Disease group had evidently lower AT haplotype frequency (p=0.006) and evidently higher GT haplotype frequency (p=0.000) at IL-9 gene loci rs1859430 and rs2066758. Moreover, the level of serum IL-18 in patients with TT genotype at IL-18 gene locus rs360715 was higher than that in those with other genotypes in disease group (p<0.05), and the level of serum IL-9 in patients with AG genotype at IL-9 gene locus rs1859430 was also higher than that in those with other genotypes in disease group (p<0.05). There was a remarkable association between CT genotype at IL-18 gene locus rs360715 and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) (p=0.035), and between CC genotype at IL-9 gene locus rs2066758 and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (p=0.041). The expression levels of serum IL-18 and IL-9 and their gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with asthma.

The impact of early peroral feeding on concentration of the serum interleukin–6 in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objective. The impact of early peroral feeding on concentration of the serum interleukin-6 in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy was analyzed.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Results of pancreaticoduodenectomy in 39 patients, suffering the pancreatic head and periampullar zone tumors, was analyzed, in whom various methods of nutritive support were applied through period 2015 - 2017 yrs. With the aim of comparative analysis accomplishment of immunological reactivity the patients were divided into two groups: the first - 24 patients, to whom in postoperative period a combination of peroral and enteral feeding was conducted, and in the second - 15 patients, to whom peroral feeding was applied only. There were studied concentration of the serum interleukin-8 preoperatively and on the third postoperative day, as well as the levels of general protein and albumin on the first, third and 7th postoperative days.&#x0D; Results. In the patients, to whom nutritive support was done in a combined way (through microjejunostomy and in a peroral way), the level of interleukin-6 was higher (p=0.05), than in the patients, who used a peroral feeding only postoperatively: mediana 76.2 [51.5; 96.4] and 63.4 [43.5; 65,7] pg/ml, accordingly (p=0.055). While application of various methods of feeding in the patients a trustworthy difference between middle levels of albumin and general protein in the blood on the first, third and 7th days after pancreaticoduodenectomy was not observed (p &gt; 0.05) while application of different feeding methods.&#x0D; Conclusion. Application of combined enteral and peroral feeding in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy has no advantages upon a peroral one. Early peroral feeding promotes the reduction of immunological reactivity of organism as an answer on operative trauma, and the proteins levels, comparing with combined feeding in patients in postoperative period up to the 7th day do not differ essentially.

Serum Interleukin-8 in Patients with Different Origin of Intra-Abdominal Infections in Perioperative Period.

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are associated with high levels of pro-inflammatory serum IL-8 and poor outcomes, but data on IL-8 levels in various inflammatory reactions are contradictory. A better understanding of the diagnostic role of IL-8 is important, since the clinical relevance remains unclear. Methods: That was a single-center observational longitudinal cross-sectional study included 56 patients with various origins of intra-abdominal infections: 24 patients with postoperative abscesses, 12 patients with primary intra-abdominal abscesses, and 20 patients with diffuse peritoneal collection. Perioperative serum concentrations of interleukin-8 IL-8 were investigated at the day before surgery, on the 2nd–3rd day, and on the 5th–7th day after surgery. The hypothesis suggested that there was a difference in serum IL-8 in patients with IAI of different origin in the perioperative period. Results: The study showed that the level of serum IL-8 in patients with intra-abdominal infections of different origins is lower in comparison with healthy individuals. Despite the fact that we did not detect any statistically significant differences in the level of IL-8 in serum in IAI of different origin in the perioperative period, its lowest index was observed in the patients with postoperative abscesses on the 5th–7th days after surgical intervention. The levels of serum IL-8 ≤49.71 pg/mL and ≤48.88 pg/mL may serve as diagnostic markers for primary and postoperative abscesses with significant sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Our results differ from previous studies that showed high serum IL-8. High-quality clinical trials are needed to better comprehend the role of inflammatory mediators in IAI with different origin.

Correlation between angiopoietin-like proteins in inflammatory mediators in peripheral blood and severity of coronary arterial lesion in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The effects of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl 2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in inflammatory mediators on the severity of coronary arterial lesion in patients with acute myocardial infarction were investigated. One hundred and twenty-six patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to Tianjin Union Medical Center (the myocardial infarction group) and 133 healthy individuals (the control group) were selected for retrospective analysis from January 2013 to December 2015. The levels of Angptl 2 and IL-6 in serum of patients were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the correlation analysis between the levels and the degree of coronary stenosis in patients with myocardial infarction was conducted. The expression level of Angptl 2 and IL-6 in the myocardial infarction group was significantly higher than that in the control group P<0.001. In the myocardial infarction group, the expression levels of Angptl 2 and IL-6 were the highest in the patients with severe stenosis, followed by the moderate stenosis, and the lowest in the patients with mild stenosis (P<0.050). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that Angptl 2 and IL-6 were positively correlated with the diameter of coronary stenosis (r=0.696, 0.750, P<0.001). In conclusion, both Angptl 2 and IL-6 are highly expressed in the peripheral blood of patients with acute myocardial infarction and involved in the occurrence and development of the disease. Moreover, Angptl2 and IL-6 are positively correlated with the severity of coronary arterial lesion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, and they are expected to become a target for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary atherosclerosis (CA) in the future.

Upregulated Serum MiR-146b Serves as a Biomarker for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background/Aims: Stroke is a major cerebrovascular disease threatening human health and life with high morbidity, disability and mortality. It is aimed to find effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis on stroke. Methods: The expressions of 17 previously reported stroke-associated miRNAs were measured using quantitative RT-PCR and the expressions of plasma high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), the pro-inflammation markers in brain injury, were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 128 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and control group. Results: Serum miR-146b expression was significantly increased within 24 hours after stroke onset in patients compared with control group. In addition, the upregulation of serum miR-146b was strong positively correlated with plasma hs-CRP, infarct volume and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and moderate positively correlated with serum IL-6 of patients. Importantly, the combination of plasma hs-CRP and serum miR-146b gained a better sensitivity/specificity for prediction of AIS (AUC from 0.782 to 0.863). Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggested that upregulated serum miR-146b in acute ischemic stroke might be a potential biomarker for AIS evaluation.

Elevated Systemic IL-6 Levels in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is an Unspecific Marker for Post-SAH Complications.

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still a fatal and morbid disease, although bleeding aneurysms can be secured in almost all cases. Occurrence of post-SAH complications including cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and infections are the main determinants of clinical outcome. Hence, it is important to search for early predictors for specific post-SAH complications to treat these complications properly. Both cellular and molecular (cytokines) inflammation play a key role after aSAH during the phase of occurrence of post-SAH complications. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a well-known cytokine that has been extensively analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients after aSAH, but detailed studies exploring the role of systemic IL-6 in aSAH associated complications and its impact on early clinical outcome prediction are lacking. The current study aims to analyze the systemic IL-6 levels over two weeks after bleeding and its role in post-SAH complications. Methods: We recruited 80 aSAH patients prospectively who underwent peripheral venous blood withdrawal in serum gel tubes. The blood was centrifuged to harvest the serum, which was immediately frozen at −80 °C until analysis. Serum IL-6 levels were quantified using Immulite immunoassay system. Patient records including age, gender, post-SAH complications, aneurysm treatment, and clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale and Glasgow outcome scale) were retrieved to allow different subgroup analysis. Results: Serum IL-6 levels were significantly raised after aSAH compared to healthy controls over the first two weeks after hemorrhage. Serum IL-6 levels were found to be significantly elevated in aSAH patients presenting with higher Hunt and Hess grades, increasing age, and both intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage. Interestingly, serum IL-6 was also significantly raised in aSAH patients who developed seizures, cerebral vasospasm (CVS), and chronic hydrocephalus. IL-6 levels were sensitive to the development of infections and showed an increase in patients who developed pneumoniae. Intriguingly, we found a delayed increase in serum IL-6 in patients developing cerebral infarction. Finally, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients presenting with poor clinical outcome in comparison to good clinical outcome at discharge from hospital. Conclusion: Serum IL-6 levels were elevated early after aSAH and remained high over the two weeks after initial bleeding. Serum IL-6 was elevated in different aSAH associated complications, acting as a non-specific marker for post-SAH complications and an important biomarker for clinical outcome at discharge.

Longitudinal analysis of serum interleukin-18 in patients with familial Mediterranean fever carrying MEFV mutations in exon 10

BackgroundFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. Mutations in exon 10 are associated with typical FMF phenotypes, and patients with exon 10 mutations have higher serum levels of interleukin (IL)-18 both during attacks and afebrile phases, compared to those without exon 10 mutations. However, longitudinal changes of serum IL-18 in FMF have not been fully characterized. MethodsWe serially evaluated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-18, in 12 patients with FMF carrying exon 10 mutations, all of whom showed typical FMF attacks. ResultsMarkedly high concentrations of IL-18 were observed in all patients at diagnosis (5099±6084pg/mL). Serum IL-18 levels declined progressively after colchicine treatment in 7 patients (group A), whereas 5 patients showed continued elevation of circulating IL-18, despite declines in IL-6 and neopterin (group B). The mean follow-up times in the two groups were 4.7±3.2 and 4.8±1.5 years, respectively. The mean serum IL-18 level at the last hospital visit in group B was 4190±2610 pg/mL. There were no differences in onset age, initial IL-18 levels, and colchicine doses between the groups. FMF attacks almost disappeared in both groups, but there were trends towards more frequent subtle symptoms such as abdominal discomfort in group B. ConclusionsSustained elevation of serum IL-18 may suggest the presence of persistent subclinical inflammation. Therefore, longitudinal examination of serum IL-18 may contribute to better follow-up of FMF patients with exon 10 mutations.

Serum Level of Interleukin-6 in Patients with Oral Tongue Squamous cell Carcinoma.

The clinical outcome of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) located in the head and neck has remained poor despite ongoing advances in diagnosis and management. Interleukin-6(IL-6) is a multi-functional cytokine that plays an important role in the process of cell differentiation and is increased in several malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of interleukin-6 in patients with oral tongue SCC. In a cross-sectional study, 17 patients with oral tongue SCC were compared with the same number of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Serum IL-6 level fluctuation was determined using an immunological technique, before detecting its possible association with the subjects' age, gender, drinking and smoking history, cancer site, and disease severity. The intensity of serum IL-6 in patients with oral tongue SCC was statistically significantly higher than that in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Serum IL-6 level was independent of the patients' age, gender, smoking and drinking history as well as cancer stage. IL-6 is a valuable biomarker in the diagnosis of oral tongue SCC. Its high sensitivity makes prediction of this condition possible, while this biomarker can also be used to screen high-risk patients.

Significance of serum interleukin-6 in patients treated with radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

254 Background: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is reported to contribute to aggressive tumor growth and resistance to treatment. In several cancers including esophagus, head and neck, and pancreas, high IL-6 is associated with poor treatment outcome after radiotherapy (RT). However, reports about significance of IL-6 in RT for HCC were rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of serum IL-6 with treatment outcome in patients treated with RT for HCC. Methods: For patients treated with RT for HCC, blood samples were collected prospectively, before start and after completion of RT schedule. Serum IL-6 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Patients’ clinical profiles were recorded. Results: Between September 2008 and October 2009, 51 patients were included in this study. Median follow-up duration was 12.3 months (range, 0.5-62.3). Baseline serum IL-6 level was 31.63 pg/ml and patients who had treatment history before RT showed higher baseline serum IL-6 levels than treatment (Tx)-naïve patients (53.09 vs. 15.35, p=0.028). Baseline IL-6 levels were higher in patients showing infield failure (59.70 vs. 14.96, p=0.022) and extrahepatic failure (40.50 vs. 17.88, p=0.072). In patients who had treatment history before RT, higher baseline IL-6 levels were associated with both infield and extrahepatic failure (p=0.014, p=0.032, respectively) in. However, this significance was not found in Tx-naïve patients. Higher baseline IL-6 levels were associated with short infield PFS (p&lt;0.0001) in entire patients and in patients who had treatment history before RT. After RT, serum IL-6 level decreased but it was not significant (29.54 pg/ml, p=0.794). And variation of serum IL-6 level was not associated with treatment failure. Conclusions: Baseline serum IL-6 levels seem significant in predicting treatment outcome in patients treated with RT for HCC. High baseline serum IL-6 levels were associated with infield and extrahepatic failure, especially in patients who had treatment history before RT.

The effect of maxillary–mandibular fixation on salivary immunoglobulin A and serum interleukin-6 in patients with mandibular fractures

The effect of maxillary–mandibular fixation on salivary immunoglobulin A and serum interleukin-6 in patients with mandibular fractures