Serum Levels Of Including Interleukin-6 Research Articles

Diagnostic value and correlation analysis of serum cytokine levels in patients with multiple system atrophy.

The association between cytokines in peripheral blood and clinical symptoms of multiple system atrophy (MSA) has been explored in only a few studies with small sample size, and the results were obviously controversial. Otherwise, no studies have explored the diagnostic value of serum cytokines in MSA. Serum cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), were measured in 125 MSA patients and 98 healthy controls (HCs). Correlations of these serum cytokines with clinical variables were analyzed in MSA patients. Diagnostic value of cytokines for MSA was plotted by receiver operating curves. No significant differences were found in sex and age between the MSA group and the HCs. TNF-α in MSA patients were significantly higher than those in HCs (area under the curve (AUC) 0.768), while IL-6 and IL-8 were not. Only Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) has a positive correlation between with TNF-α in MSA patients with age and age at onset as covariates. Serum IL-6 was associated with HAMA, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Unified MSA Rating Scale I (UMSARS I) scores, the UMSARS IV and the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living scores. However, IL-8 was not associated with all clinical variables in MSA patients. Regression analysis showed that HAMA and age at onset were significantly associated with TNF-α, and only HAMA was mild related with IL-6 levels in MSA patients. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in MSA patients may be associated with anxiety symptom; however, only TNF-α was shown to be a useful tool in distinguishing between MSA and HCs.

Diagnostic Value of Interleukin 6, Interleukin 12P70, Serum Amyloid A, and Procalcitonin for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Relationship With the Disease Activity

To observe the diagnostic value of four serum inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12P70 (IL-12P70), serum amyloid A (SAA), and procalcitonin (PCT), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyze their relationship with the disease activity. The study included 60 RA patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology at Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between December 2022 and December 2023. Thirty healthy individuals from the hospital's physical examination center served as the control group. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-12P70 were detected using flow cytometry. SAA levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry, and PCT levels were assessed by chemiluminescence. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) were detected using an automated biochemical analyzer. The 28-joint disease activity scores (DAS28-ESR) based on ESR were observed. Statistical analysis included t-tests, rank-sum tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests to compare the expression differences of the biomarkers among different groups. The diagnostic value of these biomarkers for RA was analyzed by ROC curve analysis. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationships between the four inflammatory biomarkers and CRP, ESR, RF, ACCP, and DAS28-ESR. 1) The expression levels of SAA, IL-6, and IL-12P70 in the RA group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). 2) ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for PCT was 0.611 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.488-0.735, P>0.05), for SAA, it was 0.819 (95% CI: 0.733-0.906, P<0.01), for IL-6, it was 0.875 (95% CI: 0.803-0.946, P<0.01), and for IL-12P70, it was 0.832 (95% CI: 0.746-0.917, P<0.01). The combined index of IL-6, IL-12P70, SAA, and PCT had an AUC of 0.973 (95% CI: 0.942-1.000, P<0.01). This indicates that the four inflammatory biomarkers can assist in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. 3) The expression levels of PCT and SAA varied significantly among the high, moderate, and low activity RA groups (P<0.01). 4) In RA patients, CRP was positively correlated with SAA (rs =0.75, P<0.01), and IL-6 (rs =0.52, P<0.01). ESR was positively correlated with SAA (rs =0.36, P<0.01). DAS28-ESR was positively correlated with PCT (rs =0.34, P=0.01), SAA (rs =0.51, P<0.01) and IL-6 (rs =0.33, P=0.01). The four inflammatory biomarkers (PCT, SAA, IL-6, and IL-12P70) are closely related to rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and can serve as serum indicators to assist in the diagnosis and assessment of RA.

Study on the concentration of serum interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: Helper T lymphocytes 17 (Th17) secrete various interleukins, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which promotes the pathological process in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Therefore, serum Interleukin-6 levels may be related to the clinical and subclinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis. Objectives: To determine serum Interleukin-6 concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis patients and to investigate the relationship between serum Interleukin-6 concentration with some clinical and subclinical characteristics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Subjects and method: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 41 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy hospital and 30 healthy people in a control group. Results: The mean serum IL-6 concentration of the patient group was 120.57 pg/mL which was statistically significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than the control group (5.73 pg/mL). There was a statistically significant positive correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between serum Interleukin-6 concentration and the time of disease onset, the number of damaged joints and the 2nd-hour erythrocyte sediment rate. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between serum Interleukin-6 concentration with red blood cell amount, hemoglobin concentration. There was a statistically significant relationship (p &lt; 0.05) between serum Interleukin-6 concentration and CRP, RF, Anti-CCP and 1st-hour erythrocyte sediment rate. Conclusion: Increased serum IL-6 levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients affect joint injury, induce anemia, promote inflammation and increase autoantibodies. Key words: Interleukin-6, Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Effect of dexmedetomidine administration on analgesic, respiration and inflammatory responses in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundLocal anesthesia has been recommended for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) in recent years; however, the efficacy, including oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions and ventilation effects, when intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) is administered during PELD has not been described.MethodsSixty adult patients undergoing PELD were randomly allocated to either an intravenous DEX sedation group (Group A) or a normal saline group (Group B). Respiratory data, including minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV), and respiratory rate (RR), were recorded using a respiratory volume monitor (RVM), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was monitored by pulse oximetry. The visual analog score (VAS) was used to assess the level of pain. The serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were to assess inflammatory reactions. The serum levels of oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were also recorded to evaluate oxidative stress.ResultsThere were no significant differences in RR, MV, TV and SpO2 between the two groups at any time point (P > 0.05). Group B exhibited lower serum levels of GSH-PX (P < 0.0001) and higher serum levels of MDA (p < 0.0001) than Group A at the end of surgery. Twenty-four hours after surgery, Group B exhibited higher serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.0033), TNF-α (P = 0.0002), and MDA (P < 0.0001) and lower serum levels of GSH-PX (P < 0.0001) than Group A. In addition, Group A exhibited lower VAS (P < 0.0001) than Group B during surgery.ConclusionsDEX administration using RVM not only provides analgesia without ventilatory depression but also alleviates oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in patients undergoing PELD.

The retrospective study of perioperative application of dexamethasone and furosemide for postoperative anti-inflammation in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy

ObjectivesTo investigate whether the perioperatively combined application of dexamethasone and furosemide could alleviate the inflammation in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Patients and methods147 patients undergoing PCNL between November 2018 and October 2019 were enrolled in the study. 77 patients accepted a single dose of dexamethasone and furosemide administration (EXP group, n = 77), and 70 patients did not (CON group, n = 70). Demographic and perioperative data, inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT), and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsCompared with the CON group, the incidence rate of urosepsis of the EXP group were significantly lower (11.69% vs. 24.29%, p = 0.046). 3 patients developed severe urosepsis in the EXP group, while 5 patients developed severe urosepsis in the CON group. Compared with those in the CON group, the patients with postoperative urosepsis in the EXP group showed lower serum levels of IL-6 at postoperative hour two (p = 0.045) and at postoperative day one (p = 0.031) and lower serum levels of PCT at postoperative day one (p = 0.015). There was a better clinical outcome of a shorter postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.015) in patients with postoperative urosepsis in the EXP group than in those in the CON group.ConclusionThe perioperatively combined application of dexamethasone and furosemide was beneficial for alleviating postoperative inflammatory reaction and caused a better clinical outcome of a shorter postoperative hospital stay.

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

Pengaruh Ekstrak Etanol Daun Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus) terhadap Kadar Glutathion Dan Interleukin 6 Serum Tikus Wistar Jantan yang Diberi Pakan Tinggi Kolesterol

Chronic dyslipidemia, especially in hypercholesterolemia, can directly disrupt endothelial cell function through increased formation of oxidized LDL which will stimulate an inflammatory response including interleukin 6 (IL-6) release. For this reason, it is necessary to have anti-inflammation that can reduce the effects of hypercholesterolemia on blood vessels. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects and kenikir leaves are vegetables that are rich in polyphenols. This study aims to prove the effect of kenikir leaf (Cosmos caudatus) ethanol extract on IL-6 levels of serum of male Wistar rats fed high cholesterol. The method used is a true experimental study with a Post-test Only Control Group Design. Samples using 24 male rats were divided into 4 groups DS, DTK, Ss, and Cc. DTK, Ss and Cc groups were given high cholesterol feed for 20 weeks. In the 17th to 20th weeks the Ss group was given additional simvastatin and the Cc group was given an additional extract of Cosmos caudatus leaf. Whereas the DS group was only given standard feed for 20 weeks. After 20 weeks all rats in all four groups were examined serum GSH and IL-6 levels. The results showed the highest GSH serum levels average in Cc with p-value=0,016 but not different from Ss. IL-6 serum levels in DTK were higher than those of the other three groups and were significantly different with p-value=0,035. The difference occurs between DTK and DS, Ss and Cc, not different between DS, Ss and Cc. The ethanol extract of kenikir leaf influences the serum IL-6 levels of male Wistar rats fed high cholesterol.

Hybrid Training System Improves Insulin Resistance in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Insulin resistance is associated with the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Insulin resistance is regulated by various cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory myokine, and selenoprotein P (SeP), a liver-derived secretory hepatokine. High levels of IL-6 and/or SeP have been shown to contribute to insulin resistance, and exercise is a first-line therapy for NAFLD. We have developed a hybrid training system (HTS): a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device to enhance exercise results. We aimed to investigate the effects of HTS on insulin resistance as well as serum IL-6 and SeP in patients with NAFLD. This is a randomized, single-blind (assessor), controlled trial. Subjects with NAFLD walked on a treadmill with or without HTS (9 subjects each) for 30 minutes three times a week for six weeks (HTS vs. control group; median age 45 vs. 45; male/female 5/4 vs. 6/3). We examined subjects before the first session and at the end of the final session. Serum SeP levels were measured by ELISA which measures the fragment of SeP. In the HTS group, HOMA-IR values were significantly reduced compared to the control group (Δ-0.71 vs. Δ0.05; P < 0.05). IL-6 and SeP levels in serum were also significantly reduced compared to that of the control group (IL-6; Δ-0.6 vs. Δ0.29 pg/mL; P < 0.05, SeP; Δ-1288.5 vs. Δ-435.4 ng/mL; P < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, we propose that HTS improves insulin resistance by reducing serum IL-6 and SeP levels in patients with NAFLD.

Hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis involved in cognitive dysfunction in rats with sepsis-related encephalopathy through the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway

To evaluate the effects of ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons on cognitive dysfunction in rats with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) and its potential molecular mechanisms. (1) Screening experiment of SAE modeling conditions: 42 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal saline (NS) control group (n = 6) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5, 15, 30 mg/kg groups (each n = 12) according to the random number table method. The SAE modeling conditions were determined by survival and the changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) within 72 hours, the percentage of stiffness status, the levels of serum inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neuron specific enolase (NSE, a marker of neuronal injury), serum iron and lactic acid (Lac) contents, and the morphological changes in CA1 of hippocampus after 72 hours. (2) Deferoxamine (Def) intervention experiment: according to the results of screening experiments, 28 healthy male SD rats were divided into NS control group (n = 8), SAE group (n = 10) and Def+SAE group (n = 10) according to the random number table method. In the Def+SAE group, 100 mg/kg Def was injected intraperitoneally 12 hours before the modeling, once every 12 hours, with a total of 7 times; the rats in the NS control group and SAE group were injected with the same amount of NS. Then the cognitive function of rats was evaluated by fear conditioning test for the percentage of stiffness status; serum IL-6, TNF-α and NSE levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the levels of serum Lac, serum iron and hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron contents were determined by chemical colorimetric; the protein expressions of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and NAPDH oxidase 1 (NOX1) in hippocampus were determined by Western Blot; morphological changes in hippocampal CA1 were observed after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. (1) Compared with the NS control group, intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg LPS could significantly reduce the MAP and HR as time prolonged, and the reduction was most significant at 72 hours. The 72-hour survival rate was significantly reduced and cognitive function was impaired. The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, Lac and NSE were increased while the serum iron content was decreased significantly. The morphology of vertebral cells in hippocampal CA1 was irregular and some of the cells were obviously vacuolated. In the LPS 5 mg/kg group, there were no significant changes in vital signs, inflammation, organ function or cognitive dysfunction, while the symptoms of septic shock were apparent in the LPS 30 mg/kg group. Therefore, SAE model was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of 15 mg/kg LPS for 72 hours. (2) Compared with the NS control group, the percentage of stiffness in the SAE group was significantly reduced. The levels of serum IL-6, NSE and hippocampal MDA, iron were significantly increased. The serum iron contents and hippocampal Nrf2 and GPX4 protein expressions were significantly reduced, while the hippocampal NOX1 protein expression was significantly increased. The morphology of vertebral cells in hippocampal CA1 was irregular and the cytoplasm was deeply stained. The results indicated that the level of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of SAE rats was increased, the neuron degenerations were obvious, and the cognitive function of rats were impaired. Compared with the SAE group, the percentage of stiffness in the Def+SAE group was significantly increased [(63.4±6.4)% vs. (47.6±6.0)%, P < 0.05]. The levels of serum IL-6, NSE, iron and hippocampal MDA, iron were significantly reduced [serum IL-6 (ng/L): 73.14±8.31 vs. 99.86±12.37, serum NSE (μg/L): 3.67±0.51 vs. 5.92±0.79, serum iron (mg/L): 68.43±8.12 vs. 134.60±15.63, hippocampal MDA (mol/g): 4.62±0.90 vs. 6.62±0.84, hippocampal iron (μg/g): 155.32±17.86 vs. 221.54±27.54, all P < 0.05]. The hippocampal protein expressions of Nrf2 and GPX4 were significantly increased [Nrf2/β-actin: 0.41±0.07 vs. 0.18±0.03, GPX4/β-actin: 0.74±0.09 vs. 0.40±0.06, all P < 0.05] while the hippocampal NOX1 protein expression was significantly reduced (NOX1/β-actin: 0.62±0.08 vs. 1.11±0.16, P < 0.05). The vertebral cells was significantly improved as compared with the SAE group. These findings showed that the oxidative stress level in hippocampus of the Def+SAE group was reduced, neuron degeneration was significantly alleviated, and the cognitive function of the rats was significantly improved. The cognitive function of rats with SAE was significantly impaired, the hippocampal neurons were obviously damaged and ferroptosis was increased. Def pretreatment could significantly reduce iron deposition and ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons of SAE rats and improve cognitive dysfunction, which may be related to activation of Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Effects of vitamin D on disease activity and serum interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitamin D3 or 25(OH)D3 may have a potential role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6). The aim of this study is to determine the clinical factors of vitamin D deficiency in multi-ethnic Malaysian RA patients and its association with disease activity, functional disability and serum IL-6 levels. One hundred RA patients and 50 healthy controls, sex- and age-matched, were recruited. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were assessed. Baseline serum 25(OH)D3 and IL-6 were measured in all subjects. RA patients who were vitamin D deficient were given loading doses of vitamin D3 and repeated assessments were done. Vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L) was found in 63% of RA patients and 76% of healthy controls. Chinese RA patients and healthy controls had significantly more sufficient 25(OH)D3 levels compared to Malays and Indians (P<0.001). Serum 25(OH)D3 level was still negatively associated with body mass index in RA patients (P=0.002) after adjustment for potential confounding variables. No significant association was seen between 25(OH)D3 levels and disease activity or serum IL-6 levels in both pre- and post-treatment groups. A negative association was observed between serum 25(OH)D3 and functional disability, including a 33% improvement post-treatment (mean±SD: 0.30±0.46 to 0.20±0.18). Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Malaysian RA patients. This study suggests that vitamin D is not associated with disease activity or serum IL-6 levels but it may have a role in functional disability in RA patients.

Interleukin-6 contributes to the increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 expression in acute and chronic kidney disease

The high serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mice with folic acid-induced AKI had an increase in bone FGF23 mRNA expression together with an increase in serum FGF23 and several circulating cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Dexamethasone partially prevented the increase in IL-6 and FGF23 in the AKI mice. IL-6 knock-out mice fed an adenine diet to induce CKD failed to increase bone FGF23 mRNA and had a muted increase in serum FGF23 levels, compared with the increases in wild-type mice with CKD. Therefore, IL-6 contributes to the increase in FGF23 observed in CKD. Hydrodynamic tail injection of IL-6/soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) fusion protein hyper IL-6 (HIL-6) plasmid increased serum FGF23 levels. Circulating sIL-6R levels were increased in both CKD and AKI mice, suggesting that IL-6 increases FGF23 through sIL-6R-mediated trans-signaling. Renal IL-6 mRNA expression was increased in mice with either AKI or CKD, suggesting the kidney is the source for the increased serum IL-6 levels in the uremic state. HIL-6 also increased FGF23 mRNA in calvaria organ cultures and osteoblast-like UMR106 cells in culture, demonstrating a direct effect of IL-6 on FGF23 expression. HIL-6 increased FGF23 promoter activity through STAT3 phosphorylation and its evolutionarily conserved element in the FGF23 promoter. Thus, IL-6 increases FGF23 transcription and contributes to the high levels of serum FGF23 in both acute and chronic kidney disease.

Immune modulation effects of curcumin in pristane-induced lupus mice

Background: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from food spice turmeric has been widely used in Asian traditional medicine for its medicinal properties as antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the hydrocarbon oil pristane into normal mice leads to a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome. We aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) clinical manifestation, adaptive immune system components, proinflammatory cytokines, and autoantibody production in pristane-induced lupus mice. Methods: Fifty female BALB/c mice, 6–8 weeks old were divided into 2 groups: Forty mice received a single i.p. injection of 0.5 cc pristane for lupus induction and ten mice as healthy controls. Starting at 16 weeks after injection, forty pristane-induced lupus mice were divided into four groups based on doses of curcumin received intragastrically: 0, 12.5, 50, and 200 mg/kg bw/day daily for 16 weeks. At 32 weeks after injection, all of mice were assessed for arthritis score, proteinuria level, body weights, adaptive immune system components (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg percentages) from spleen using flow cytometry; proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibody production, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and antinuclear antibody (ANA) from serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Arthritis score and proteinuria level were decreased in curcumin-treated mice. However, body weights were not significantly different between the groups. The decreased of Th1, Th2, and Th17 percentages were seen after treatment with 200 mg/kg bw/day of curcumin (P = 0.031,P = 0.017, andP = 0.005, respectively). However, only slight increase of Treg percentages was seen after curcumin treatment. Treatment with 200 mg/kg bw/day of curcumin decreased serum IL-6 and IFN-α levels (P = 0.007 andP = 0.003). Furthermore, ANA levels were also decreased significantly after treatment with 200 mg/kg bw/day of curcumin (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that curcumin could prove useful as a therapeutic intervention in SLE.

Serum biomarkers of inflammation and muscle strength among women with systemic lupus erythematosus

ObjectivesMuscle strength is an important determinant of physical function in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum biomarkers of inflammation, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), are associated with differences in muscle strength among individuals without rheumatologic disease. We examined whether serum levels of IL-6 and CRP are associated with upper and lower extremity muscle strength among adult women with SLE. MethodsOne hundred thirty-six women with SLE participated in this cross-sectional study. High-sensitivity CRP was analyzed by nephelometry. IL-6 serum levels were analyzed by high sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Upper and lower extremity muscle strength were assessed by grip strength and peak torque of knee extension and flexion, respectively. Regression analyses modeled associations of CRP and IL-6 with upper and lower extremity muscle strength controlling for age, SLE duration, physical activity, prednisone use, BMI, plaquenil use, and pain. ResultsHigher serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were associated with significantly weaker upper and lower extremity muscle strength even when controlling for covariates. ConclusionsIncreased serum IL-6 and CRP are associated with clinically significant differences in upper and lower extremity muscle strength and may be useful in identifying those at risk for weakness and decreased physical function.

Evaluation of the effect of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract on serum inflammatory biomarkers in adult hyperlipidemic patients: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition. Many pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and adhesion molecules including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) are expressed in atherosclerotic lesions. The plants of genus Vaccinium are rich in anthocyanins with anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit extract on the serum level of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in adult patients with mild hyperlipidemia to detect its possible inhibitory effects on progression of atherosclerosis. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible hyperlipidemic patients were randomly and equally divided in to two groups of study drug or placebo control to receive either the Vaccinium extract or placebo capsules, respectively, twice daily for four consecutive weeks. Each drug capsule contained 0.8 mg of anthocyanins. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were measured before and after the interventions and finally were compared.A total of 8 men and 12 women in drug group as well as 11 men and 9 women in placebo group completed the study (P = 0.527). The use of Vaccinium extract significantly reduced only the IL-6 level (P = 0.037); however, this reduction was not significant compared to placebo (P = 0.062). Consumption of Vaccinium arctostaphylos fruit extract with the dose of 500 mg twice daily did not show any significant effect on serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in adult hyperlipidemic patients. However, considering slight decrease in the level of IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, the use of higher doses with longer duration might have significant effects on these factors.

Effects of Pentoxifylline on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Iran.

Background:Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Several studies suggest that pentoxifylline (PTX) can improve the disease outcome.Objectives:We aimed to compare the effect of pentoxifylline with placebo on liver aminotransferases and cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in patients with NASH.Patients and Methods:Thirty patients with NASH were included in the study, based on ultrasonography and 1.5-fold mean change from baseline serum levels of liver aminotransferases. Patients with NASH were randomized to receive 1200 mg PTX (the intervention group) or placebo (the placebo group) for 6 months. The serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines were compared between the intervention and placebo groups, at various time points.Results:The serum levels of liver aminotransferases were significantly reduced at 3 months and at 6 months, compared with baseline, in both groups. The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased, in both groups, only at 6 months, compared with baseline. Compared to the placebo group, the serum level of TNF-α was significantly decreased in the intervention group, at 6 months. The serum level of IL-8 was increased, in both groups, after 6 months, without reaching clinical significance. There was no significant difference in serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, between intervention and placebo groups.Conclusions:Decreases in the serum levels of liver aminotransferases and cytokines, in both groups, are related to low-calorie diets and exercise, rather than PTX.

Association of Sarcopenic Obesity with Higher Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Chinese Older Males--A Community-Based Study (Taichung Community Health Study-Elderly, TCHS-E).

The prevalence of obesity and sarcopenia is high among the elderly. The simultaneous occurrence of these two disorders results in sarcopenic obesity. Research suggests that inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity and sarcopenia. This study explores the impact of sarcopenic obesity on inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). This study is a community-based cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 844 community-dwelling people aged 65 years and older (448 men and 396 women). Sarcopenia was characterized by low muscle mass (skeletal muscle index < 6.87 and 5.46 kg/m2 for men and women, respectively), and obesity was characterized by excess body fat (body fat percentage greater than the 60th percentile of the study sample by sex [27.82% in men and 37.61% in women]). Older individuals identified with sarcopenic obesity were those who had both sarcopenia and obesity. Inflammatory markers such as IL-6, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were measured. The prevalence rates of obesity only, sarcopenia only, and sarcopenic obesity were 32.94%, 11.85%, and 7.23%, respectively. No difference was observed in the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α among the four groups of combined sarcopenia and obesity status. After multivariate adjustment, the serum hs-CRP levels in the obesity only and in the sarcopenic obesity groups were 0.14 and 0.16 mg/dL among males, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in the normal group (P=0.012 and 0.036). Our results provide evidence that obesity and sarcopenic obesity are associated with increased levels of serum hs-CRP among males.

A study of changes in inflammatory markers in patients of depression

Background: Depression may result in unfavorable health outcomes as it has been associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Recent researches have suggested the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of depression and co-morbidities associated with it although the underlying mechanism relating the two is still unclear. Aim: The present study aimed to explore the association between depression and inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and high sensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP). Materials and Methods: Thirty drug-naοve patients of depression diagnosed on the basis of ICD-10 criteria, in the age group of 20-45 years were included in the study. They were compared with 30 age, gender, body mass index, socio-economic and educational status matched apparently healthy controls. The blood samples were taken after an overnight fast and serum samples were immediately stored until the time of analysis. Results: The serum levels of hsCRP were significantly higher (P = 0.042) in depression group as compared to the control group. Although the mean serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were higher in patients of depression, they were not statistically significant (IL-6: P = 0.055, TNF-α: P = 0.053). Conclusion: It can be inferred from our study that depression is associated with underlying low-grade inflammation, which might contribute to increased morbidity in patients of depression.

Changes in novel biomarkers of disease activity in juvenile and adult dermatomyositis are sensitive biomarkers of disease course

Muscle enzyme levels are insensitive markers of disease activity in juvenile and adult dermatomyositis (DM), especially during the active treatment phase. To improve our ability to monitor DM disease activity longitudinally, especially in the presence of immunomodulating agents, we prospectively evaluated whether interferon (IFN)-dependent peripheral blood gene and chemokine signatures could serve as sensitive and responsive biomarkers for change in disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Peripheral blood and clinical data were collected from 51 patients with juvenile or adult DM prospectively over 2 study visits. We performed disease activity measurements and calculated whole-blood type I IFN gene and chemokine scores. We also measured serum levels of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). Changes in juvenile and adult DM global disease activity correlated positively and significantly with changes in the type I IFN gene score before adjustment for medication use (r = 0.33, P = 0.023) and with changes in the IFN chemokine score before and after adjustment for medication use (r = 0.53, P < 0.001 and r = 0.50, P < 0.001, respectively). Changes in muscle and extramuscular visual analog scale (VAS) scores correlated positively with changes in IFN gene and chemokine scores (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.095, P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) correlated positively with changes in global, muscle, and extramuscular VAS scores (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that changes in type I IFN gene and chemokine scores as well as in levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα may serve as sensitive and responsive longitudinal biomarkers of change in disease activity in juvenile and adult DM, even in the presence of immunomodulating agents.

Interleukin‐6 and type I interferon–regulated genes and chemokines mark disease activity in dermatomyositis

Up-regulation of whole blood type I interferon (IFN)-driven transcripts and chemokines has been described in a number of autoimmune diseases. An IFN gene expression "signature" is a candidate biomarker in patients with dermatomyositis (DM). This study was performed to evaluate the capacity of IFN-dependent peripheral blood gene and chemokine signatures and levels of proinflammatory cytokines to serve as biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Peripheral blood samples and clinical data were obtained from 56 patients with adult or juvenile DM. The type I IFN gene signature in the whole blood of patients with DM was defined by determining the expression levels of 3 IFN-regulated genes (IFIT1, G1P2, and IRF7) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Multiplexed immunoassays were used to quantify the serum levels of 4 type I IFN-regulated chemokines (IFN-inducible T cell alpha chemoattractant, IFNgamma-inducible 10-kd protein, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], and MCP-2) and the serum levels of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). DM disease activity correlated significantly with the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.41, P = 0.007) and with the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-6 were significantly correlated with disease activity (r = 0.45, P = 0.001). In addition, correlations between the serum levels of IL-6 and both the type I IFN gene signature (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) and the type I IFN chemokine signature (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) were detected in patients with DM. These results suggest that serum IL-6 production and the type I IFN gene signature are candidate biomarkers for disease activity in adult and juvenile DM. Coregulation of the expression of IFN-driven chemokines and IL-6 suggests a novel pathogenic linkage in DM.

Inflammation and Rate of Cognitive Change in High-Functioning Older Adults

Inflammatory proteins including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with incident cognitive impairment, but little research has addressed their effects on the rate of cognitive change, and findings are mixed. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of IL-6 and CRP and the rate of cognitive change across a range of cognitive domains in a sample of healthy older persons. Growth curve analysis was performed on data from the MacArthur Study of Successful Aging, a longitudinal cohort study of high-functioning older adults aged 70-79 years at baseline in 1988 and reinterviewed in 1991 and 1995 (N = 851). Individual growth curve parameters were derived from baseline and follow-up performance in abstraction, language, spatial ability, verbal recall, spatial recognition, and global cognitive function based on age, IL-6, CRP, and covariates. Cross-sectionally, there is a generally linear negative relationship between inflammation and cognition, such that higher levels of inflammation are associated with lower levels of baseline cognitive function. After controlling for potential confounders, there was no effect of inflammation on baseline cognitive function or the rate of longitudinal cognitive change. However, persons in the top tertile on IL-6 were at an increased risk of incident declines on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Although high levels of inflammation are associated with incident cognitive impairment, these results do not generalize to the full range of cognitive changes, where the role of inflammation appears to be marginal.