Clinical analysis between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, interleukin-6 levels and febrile convulsion in children

Objective:To investigate the relation between febrile convulsions and 25hydroxy-vitamin D_(3)[25-(OH)D_(3)]and interleukin-6(IL-6)levels in children.Methods:241 children(divided into simple febrile convulsions and complex febrile convulsions),who were diagnosed with febrile convulsions at the Women and Children's Medical Center of Hainan Province from January 2017 to October 2022,were selected into the febrile convulsions group;100 healthy children,who had no uncomfortable symptoms and attended the outpatient clinic of the Women and Children's Medical Center of Hainan Province for physical examination,for the control group.All the subjects measured the serum 25-(OH)D_(3) and IL-6 levels,and clinical information,such as age,gender and season,was recorded.Results:1)Serum 25-(OH)D_(3) levels in the febrile convulsion group were significantly lower than in the healthy control group(78.77±20.37 nmol/L versus 96.55±29.74 nmol/L,respectively),and there was a statistically significant between the two groups(t value-6.359,P<0.001).Serum IL-6 levels in the febrile convulsion group were significantly higher than in the healthy control group,and there was a statistically significant between the two groups(Z value of-14.291,P<0.001).2)Serum 25-(OH)D_(3) levels in children with complex febrile convulsions were significantly lower than those in children with simple febrile convulsions,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(t-value of 6.612,P<0.05).IL-6 levels were higher in children with complex febrile convulsions than in children with simple febrile convulsions,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(Z value-10.151,P<0.001).The difference in the severity of febrile convulsions was statistically significant in serum 25-(OH)D_(3) levels(x^(2)=29.83,P<0.001).3)The results of correlation analysis showed that serum 25-(OH)D_(3) level was negatively correlated with febrile convulsion(γ=-0.393,P<0.05);serum 25-(OH)D_(3) level was positively correlated with that(γs=0.328,P<0.05).4)The correlation analysis results showed that the serum 25-(OH)D_(3) level was negatively correlated with the clinical characteristics of febrile convulsion(γ=-0.393,P<0.05).However,serum IL-6 water is positively correlated with it(γs=0.328,P<0.05).4)In contrast,there was no statistically significant difference in serum 25-(OH)D_(3) levels among children with febrile convulsions in different seasons(P>0.05).Conclusions:There is a correlation between febrile convulsion and serum levels of 25-(OH)D_(3) and IL-6.25-(OH)D_(3) and IL-6 may participate in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsion.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or Interleukin-6 Levels among Congolese Adults

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components have been linked to elevated serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The aim of our study was to address the association between MetS components with serum hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among Congolese adults. A total of 357 participants (aged 30 - 87 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were collected and fasting blood sampled for assessment of fasting blood glycaemia (FBG), lipids and inflammatory parameters using commercially available assays. NCEP-ATPIII criteria were used to define MetS. The Median (IQR) hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were higher in participants with MetS than in those without ([7 (4, 14) versus 6 (4, 8)] mg/L;p = 0.092 and [23.8 (20.9, 27.6) versus 22.3 (19.5, 25.0)] pg/mL;p = 0.002). hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in females with MetS than in those without, but not in males. Among participants, only TG was correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.149, p = 0.007), and a significant correlation was observed between TG (r = 0.116, p = 0.037), FBG (r = 0.208, p = 0.000), HDL-C (r = −0.119, p = 0.034) and SBP (r = 0.143, p = 0.010) and IL-6. In males, hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with TG (0.316;p = 0.000), negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.290, p = 0.0022), without such correlations in females. In Ames, IL-6 levels were positively correlated with FBG (r = 0.202;p = 0.035), and negatively with HDL-C (r = −0.249, p = 0.009). Significant correlations between IL-6 levels and FBG (r = 0.214;p = 0.000) or SBP (r = 0.227, p = 0.000) were observed in females. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the relationship between MetS components and hs-CRP or IL-6. Values of area under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggest potential use of serum hs-CRP (AUC = 0.675) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.656) as diagnostic biomarkers of MetS. Combination of hs-CRP and IL-6 improved diagnosis accuracy, yielding a 0.698 ROC curve area. MetS components are associated with hs-CRP and IL-6 levels among adults Congolese. Combining the two biomarkers hs-CRP and IL-6 improves Mets diagnostic accuracy compared to hs-CRP or IL-6 alone.

Elevated interleukin-6 levels are associated with impaired outcome in cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis

BACKGROUND Elevated interleukin(IL)-6-levels have been described in familial variant transthyretin amyloidosis(ATTRv)associated polyneuropathy and heart failure.However,IL-6 in cardiac ATTR amyloidosis(ATTR-CM)and its prognostic value have not been investigated yet.AIM We aim to study the correlation between IL-6 levels with clinical presentation(Gillmore-class)and outcome[heart transplantation or death(htx/death)],or the combined endpoint of cardiac decompensation or htx/death in ATTR-CM.METHODS IL-6 levels of 106 ATTR-CM patients[54 wild-type ATTRwt,52 ATTRv-CM],15 asymptomatic carriers of ATTR mutations(aATTRv-CM)and 27 healthy donors were quantified using Luminex technology.Statistical analysis was performed using parametric survival regression models.RESULTS We found that IL-6 levels from wild-type ATTR patients were significantly elevated compared to healthy controls,while aATTRv-CM carriers and ATTRv-CM patients did not show a significant difference.IL-6 levels showed significantly higher values in increasing Gillmore classes.Univariate analyses revealed association of low IL-6 levels with cardiac decompensation and htx/death[odds ratio:0.26(0.09-0.72),P=0.01]and htx/death[odds ratio:0.15(0.04-0.58),P=0.006].However,in the multivariate model,no significant improvement of risk prediction was seen for IL-6,while established prognostic factors were significantly associated with outcome.CONCLUSION Raised IL-6 levels correlate with clinical presentation and are associated with worse outcome in ATTR-CM but do not improve stratification in addition to established risk factors.

Analyze interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels in dry eye and the therapeutic effect of cyclosporine A

BACKGROUND Dry eye is a common eye disease.Artificial tears supplements are widely used for the treatment of dry eyes.However,multiple adverse effects have been observed in patients receiving long-term treatment with artificial tears,which may affect the therapeutic effect.AIM To analyze the characteristics of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in patients with dry eye and the therapeutic effect of artificial tears combined with cyclosporine A.METHODS A total of 124 dry eye patients treated at The First People’s Hospital of Xining from April 2020 to April 2022 were selected as the observation group,while 20 healthy individuals served as the control group during the same period.Levels of inflammatory markers,including IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,were analyzed.The observation group was further divided into a study group and a control group,each consisting of 62 patients.The control group received artificial tears,whereas the study group received a combination of artificial tears and cyclosporine A.Inflammatory markers,Schirmer’s test(SIT),tear break-up time(TBUT),corneal fluorescein staining(CFS),National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25(NEI-VFQ-25)scores,and adverse events(AEs)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αin comparison to the healthy group.Following treatment,the study group demonstrated substantial reductions in IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels relative to the control group.Moreover,after treatment,the study group experienced a marked decrease in CFS scores and significant increases in both SIT and BUT levels when compared to the control group.Additionally,significant improvements were observed in the primary symptom of dry eye and secondary symptoms such as photophobia,foreign body sensation,fatigue,red eye,and burning sensation within the study group.Furthermore,post-treatment NEI-VFQ-25 scores across all dimensions exhibited significant enhancements in the study group compared to the control group(P<0.05).It is noteworthy that significant AEs were reported in both groups throughout the treatment period.CONCLUSION Cyclosporine A combined with artificial tears is effective in treating dry eye,yielding enhanced outcomes by improving SIT and TBUT levels,reducing CFS scores,and ameliorating vision-related quality of life.

Efficacy of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Treating Patients with Gallstones and Its Effect on Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of patients with gallstones and its effect on the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-a).Methods:A total of 82 patients with gallstones admitted from July 2020 to July 2023 were recruited and allocated into control and observation groups using the random number table method,with 41 cases in each group.The patients were treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy,with the anterior triangle anatomical approach to the gallbladder in the control group and the posterior triangle anatomical approach to the gallbladder in the observation group.The treatment effect and inflammatory factor levels of both groups were observed and compared.Results:When comparing the clinical outcomes of both patient groups,the key parameters evaluated included time to mobilization,duration of surgery,extubation time,and intraoperative bleeding.The observation group exhibited a significant advantage in these parameters compared to the control group(P<0.05).Regarding the levels of inflammatory factors between the two groups before and after treatment,there was no significant difference in values before treatment.However,following treatment,patients in the observation group showed significantly lower levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and C-reactive protein(CRP)compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones can benefit from the implementation of the posterior triangular anatomical approach to the gallbladder,which not only enhances therapeutic efficacy but also offers significant advantages in reducing levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and CRP.Therefore,it is recommended for the widespread adoption of this treatment approach in clinical practice.

Impact of interleukin 6 levels on acute lung injury risk and disease severity in critically ill sepsis patients

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulation of the host response to infection that can lead to acute lung injury(ALI)and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Interleukin 6(IL-6)is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and its complications.AIM To investigate the relationship among plasma IL-6 levels,risk of ALI,and disease severity in critically ill patients with sepsis.METHODS This prospective and observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.A total of 83 septic patients were enrolled.Plasma IL-6 levels were measured upon admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The development of ALI and MODS was monitored during hospitalization.Disease severity was evaluated by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores.RESULTS Among the 83 patients with sepsis,38(45.8%)developed ALI and 29(34.9%)developed MODS.Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed ALI than in those without ALI(median:125.6 pg/mL vs 48.3 pg/mL;P<0.001).Similarly,patients with MODS had higher IL-6 levels than those without MODS(median:142.9 pg/mL vs 58.7 pg/mL;P<0.001).Plasma IL-6 levels were strongly and positively correlated with APACHE II(r=0.72;P<0.001)and SOFA scores(r=0.68;P<0.001).CONCLUSIONElevated plasma IL-6 levels in critically ill patients with sepsis were associated with an increased risk of ALI andMODS.Higher IL-6 levels were correlated with greater disease severity,as reflected by higher APACHE II andSOFA scores.These findings suggest that IL-6 may serve as a biomarker for predicting the development of ALI anddisease severity in patients with sepsis.

Exploring the role of interleukin-6 receptor blockade in epilepsy and associated neuropsychiatric conditions through a mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The interplay between inflammation,immune dysregulation,and the onset of neurological disorders,including epilepsy,has become increasingly recognized.Interleukin(IL)-6,a pro-inflammatory cytokine,is suspected to not only mediate traditional inflammatory pathways but also contribute to neuroinflammatory responses that could underpin neuropsychiatric symptoms and broader psychiatric disorders in epilepsy patients.The role of IL-6 receptor(IL6R)blockade presents an intriguing target for therapeutic intervention due to its potential to attenuate these processes.neuropsychiatric conditions due to neuroinflammation.METHODS Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis employing single nucleotide poly-morphisms(SNPs)in the vicinity of the IL6R gene(total individuals=408225)was used to evaluate the putative causal relationship between IL6R blockade and epilepsy(total cases/controls=12891/312803),focal epilepsy(cases/controls=7526/399290),and generalized epilepsy(cases/controls=1413/399287).SNP weights were determined by their effect on C-reactive protein(CRP)levels and integrated using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis as surrogates for IL6R effects.To address potential outlier and pleiotropic influences,sensitivity analyses were conducted employing a variety of MR methods under different modeling assumptions.RESULTS The genetic simulation targeting IL6R blockade revealed a modest but significant reduction in overall epilepsy risk[inverse variance weighting:Odds ratio(OR):0.827;95%confidence interval(CI):0.685-1.000;P=0.05].Subtype analysis showed variability,with no significant effect observed in generalized,focal,or specific childhood and juvenile epilepsy forms.Beyond the primary inflammatory marker CRP,the findings also suggested potential non-inflammatory pathways mediated by IL-6 signaling contributing to the neurobiological landscape of epilepsy,hinting at possible links to neuroinflammation,psychiatric symptoms,and associated mental disorders.CONCLUSION The investigation underscored a tentative causal relationship between IL6R blockade and decreased epilepsy incidence,likely mediated via complex neuroinflammatory pathways.These results encouraged further in-depth studies involving larger cohorts and multifaceted psychiatric assessments to corroborate these findings and more thoroughly delineate the neuro-psychiatric implications of IL-6 signaling in epilepsy.The exploration of IL6R blockade could herald a novel therapeutic avenue not just for seizure management but also for addressing the broader psychiatric and cognitive disturbances often associated with epilepsy.

Effect of flurbiprofen combined with prednisolone on interleukin-6 in elderly surgery patients

Objective: To determine the effect of flurbiprofen combined with prednisolone on interleukin-6 in elderly surgery patients. Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled study, patients aged 65 to 80 who were undergoing spinal fusion surgery for disc herniation were administered flurbiprofen 100 mg (P group, flurbiprofen group), prednisolone 0.6 mg/kg (D group, prednisolone group), prednisolone 0.6 mg/kg plus flurbiprofen 100 mg (P + D group, flurbiprofen + prednisolone group) or normal saline (S group, saline group) 15 minutes before the induction of anesthesia. Plasma samples were collected before surgery (T0) and on day 1 (T1), day 2 (T2) and day 3 (T3) following surgery. At the same time, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was assessed by SIRS criteria. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for collected samples were measured. Results: Other groups had significantly lower levels of IL-6, CRP and occurrence of SIRS than S group (p < 0.05). Compared to groups P and D, the levels of IL-6 and CRP in P + D group were significantly lower on T1 (p < 0.05). Peak levels of IL-6 in all groups were presented on T1 (p 0.05). The levels of CRP within three days were significantly different but did not show peak levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to prednisolone or flurbiprofen, combining flurbiprofen with prednisolone in elderly surgery patients led to an increased suppression of IL-6.

Analysis of the Role of D-Dimer,Interleukin-6,and Interleukin-18 in Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Objective:To analyze the value of D-dimer(D-D),interleukin-6(IL-6),and IL-18 in the differential diagnosis of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods:The medical records of 92 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)treated in the hospital were selected for retrospective analysis from January 2023 to January 2024.After comprehensive examinations such as computed tomography examination of the chest,48 children with general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(GMPP)were put in the GMPP group and 44 children with RMPP were grouped in the RMPP group.The IL-6,IL-18,and D-D levels were compared between the two groups,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze their value for differential diagnosis of RMPP.Results:The levels of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D in the RMPP group were higher than those in the GMPP group(P<0.05);the ROC curves showed that the specificity of the differential diagnosis of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D was higher,and their diagnostic value was significant.Conclusion:Determination of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D levels in children with MPP can further diagnose the children’s condition,which can help physicians formulate targeted treatment plans,and is of great significance to the improvement of the children’s condition,which is worthy of attention.

血清IL-6水平检测在原发免疫性血小板减少症患者预后疗效评估的临床意义

目的本研究旨在探索血清白介素6(IL-6)水平对初诊原发免疫性血小板减少症患者预后疗效的影响。方法回顾性分析70例符合原发免疫性血小板减少症诊断的初诊患者,收集患者的临床资料,并对血清IL-6水平、血小板计数、出血评分进行测定。根据血清IL-6测量结果,将患者分为低水平组(IL-6≤25 pg/mL)、中水平组(2535 pg/mL)。应用标准化治疗并随访3个月,收集并分析患者实验室检查、疗效评价等指标。采用多元Cox回归分析IL-6水平与患者预后指标的相关性。结果治疗前,不同IL-6水平组患者的血小板计数和出血评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗3个月后,IL-6高水平组的血小板计数更低,出血评分更高(P<0.05);IL-6低水平组的预后疗效最好(P<0.05)。患者的年龄、病程、治疗后的出血评分、血小板计数和疗效评价与IL-6水平呈相关关系(P<0.05)。结论本研究表明血清IL-6与原发免疫性血小板减少症患者的预后存在相关性,高IL-6水平可能提示原发免疫性血小板减少症预后较差。IL-6水平有望成为早期评估原发免疫性血小板减少症患者预后的潜在生物标志物,但仍需进一步的研究和验证。

Elevation of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels in aortic intima of Chinese Guizhou minipigs with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Background Large animal models with toxin-mediated pancreatic damage have been used extensively in researches with respect to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diabetic complications. The present study aimed to establish Chinese Guizhou minipig models with streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetes and characterize the animal models by analyzing inflammatory cytokine levels in aortic wall, such as tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α, interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-6 （IL-6）. Methods Twenty-two male Chinese Guizhou minipigs （age, 4 to 6 months; weight, 20 kg to 30 kg） were divided into STZ-induced diabetic group （n=-12） and control group （n=-10）. STZ （125 mg/kg） was administrated to induce hyperglycemia and afterwards insulin was used to control fasting blood glucose levels below 10 mmol/L. Oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed before and one month after STZ administration and serum concentrations of alanine transaminase, asparegine transaminase, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipids and white blood cell count were measured before and six months later. Animals in both groups were euthanized after six months and pancreas was examined immunohistochemically for islet 13 cells. Aortic intima of diabetic minipigs and controls was analyzed for TNF-α level in tissue conditioned medium by Western blot. TNF-α, IL-β and IL-6 mFINA levels in aortic intima were assayed by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction （FIT-PCR）. Results Significant elevation in serum glucose levels was observed one month and six months after STZ induction （P〈0.001） and markedly increased OGTT values were noted, compared with baseline data. The normal pancreas had many irregular sized islets and small clusters of islet β cells, while in pancreas of diabetic minipigs islet β ceils almost disappeared. No statistical difference was notified in serum concentrations of biochemical examinations before and six months after STZ induction. Westem blot demonstrated dramatically increased TNF-α level in aotic intima conditioned medium, and significant elevation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels was revealed by RT-PCR. Conclusions The present study has established Chinese Guizhou minipig models with STZ-induced diabetes. Inflammatory cytokines （TNF-α, IL-β and IL-6） significantly elevated in aortic intima of diabetic minipigs.

Plasma levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, -8 during orthotopic liver transplantation and their relations to postoperative pulmonary complications

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications after orthoto- pic liver transplantation (OLT) include high morbidity and mortality. Experimental data have suggested hepatic ische- mia and reperfusion are induced by pro-inflammatory cyto- kines. The high level of inflammatory cytokines might ad- ditionally influence pulmonary cappillary fluid filtration. The objectives of this study were to measure the concentra- tions of tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) during OLT and to in- vestigate the relationship between these cytokines and post- operative pulmonary complications. METHODS: Twenty-two patients undergoing OLT were divided into two groups according to whether they had postoperative pulmonary complications: group A consis- ting of 8 patients with postoperative pulmonary complica- tions , and group B consisting of 14 patients without post- operative pulmonary complications. Enzyme-linked im- munoassay (ELISA) was used to determine serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of operation (T0 ), clamping and cross-clamping of the in- ferior cava and portal vein (T1, T2 ), 90 minutes and 3 hours after reperfusion (T3 , T4 ) and 24 hours after opera- tion (T5). RESULTS: The level of PaO2/FiO2 in group A was lower than that in group B ( P <0. 05 ). The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the two groups increased rapidly at T2 , peaked at T3 , decreased rapidly after T3 until 24 hours after operation. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in group A were higher than those in group B at T2, T3, and T4(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: After un-clamping of the inferior cava and portal vein, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 increased may be related to pulmonary injury after he- patic ischemic reperfusion.

High serum interleukin-6 level is associated with increased risk of delirium in elderly patients after noncardiac surgery： a prospective cohort study

Background The relationship between inflammation and delirium remains to be determined.The purposes of this study were to investigate the association between serum interleukin-6 levels and the occurrence of delirium in elderly patients after major noncardiac surgery.Methods A total of 338 elderly patients （60 years of age and over） undergoing major noncardiac surgery were enrolled.Blood samples were obtained before anesthesia and in the first postoperative morning and serum interleukin-6 concentrations were measured.Delirium was assessed twice daily by the confusion assessment method for the Intensive Care Unit during the first three postoperative days.Survival analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the serum IL-6 level and the occurrence of postoperative delirium.Results Postoperative delirium occurred in 14.8% （50 of 338） of patients.High serum interleukin-6 levelsafter surgery were significantly associated with increased risk of the occurrence of postoperative delirium （hazard ratio 1.514,95% confidence interval 1.155-1.985,P=0.003）.Other independent predictors of delirium included increasing age,poor preoperative New York Heart Association classification,low preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination score,and high total postoperative Visual Analogue Scale pain score.Patients who developed delirium had a prolonged hospital stay after surgery.Conclusions Delirium is a frequent complication in elderly patients after noncardiac surgery.High serum interleukin-6 level after surgery is associated with increased risk of the occurrence of postoperative delirium.

High levels of serum interleukin-6 increase mortality of hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Patients with hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure(HBVACLF)present a complex and poor prognosis.Systemic inflammation plays an important role in its pathogenesis,and interleukin-6(IL-6)as a pro-inflammatory cytokine is related with severe liver impairment and also plays a role in promoting liver regeneration.Whether serum IL-6 influences HBV-ACLF prognosis has not been studied.AIM To determine the impact of serum IL-6 on outcome of patients with HBV-ACLF.METHODS We performed a retrospective study of 412 HBV-ACLF patients.The findings were analyzed with regard to mortality and the serum IL-6 level at baseline,as well as dynamic changes of serum IL-6 within 4 wk.RESULTS The serum IL-6 level was associated with mortality.Within 4 wk,deceased patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6 at baseline than surviving patients[17.9(7.3-57.6)vs 10.4(4.7-22.3),P=0.011].Patients with high IL-6 levels(>11.8 pg/mL)had a higher mortality within 4 wk than those with low IL-6 levels(≤11.8 pg/mL)(24.2%vs 13.2%,P=0.004).The odds ratios calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression were 2.10(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.26-3.51,P=0.005)and 2.11(95%CI:1.15-3.90,P=0.017),respectively.The mortality between weeks 5 and 8 in patients with high IL-6 levels at 4 wk was 15.0%,which was significantly higher than the 6.6%mortality rate in patients with low IL-6 levels at 4 wk(hazard ratio=2.39,95%CI:1.05-5.41,P=0.037).The mortality was 5.0%in patients with high IL-6 levels at baseline and low IL-6 levels at 4 wk,7.5%in patients with low IL-6 levels both at baseline and at 4 wk,11.5%in patients with low IL-6 levels at baseline and high IL-6 levels at 4 wk,and 16.7%in patients with high IL-6 levels both at baseline and at 4 wk.The increasing trend of the mortality rate with the dynamic changes of IL-6 was significant(P for trend=0.023).CONCLUSION A high level of serum IL-6 is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with HBV-ACLF.Furthermore,a sustained high level or dynamic elevated level of serum IL-6 indicates a higher mortality.

Serum procalcitonin and interleukin-6 levels may help to differentiate systemic inflammatory response of infectious and non-infectious origin

To evaluate the efficacy of using procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) Methods We made a prospective study in a general intensive care unit at Peking Union Medical College Hospital Twenty patients with sepsis and 31 patients with non-infectious SIRS were enrolled in this study Serum concentrations of PCT, IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined within 24 h after clinical onset of sepsis or non-infectious SIRS Leukocyte count, percentage of neutrophils, and absolute neutrophil count, as well as maximal body temperature were also recorded Results Serum concentrations of PCT, IL-6, and CRP, as well as maximal body temperature, were significantly higher in septic patients [3 6 (1 8, 27 5) μg/L, 810±516 ng/L, 180±108 g/L, 38 6±1 2℃] than non-infectious SIRS patients [0 5 (0 2, 1 8) μg/L, 235±177 ng/L, 109±70 g/L, 37 9±0 9℃] IL-6 and PCT exhibited the best discriminative power between sepsis and non-infectious SIRS, with sensitivity above 80% and specificity above 70% A sepsis score with combination of IL-6 and PCT showed the best discriminative power with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0 923 Conclusions Assessing IL-6 and PCT levels are more reliable ways to differentiate sepsis from non-infectious SIRS, compared with conventional inflammatory parameters

Serum Interleukin-6 Level and the rs1800795 Polymorphism in its Gene Associated with Neuroblastoma Risk in Chinese Children

Background：The pro-inflammatory cytokine,interleukin-6 （IL-6）,stimulates the metastasis of several neoplasms.An association of its serum level and the single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） rs1800795 with neuroblastoma （NB） has been reported in American and Italian cohorts.This study was to clarify whether the same association exists in Chinese children.Methods：A total of 130 NB patients,with 77 boys （59％）,53 girls （41％）,mean age 41 ± 5 months,were assigned to two groups：high risk （HR） versus intermediate-low risk （non-HR）,and 50 healthy children were randomly selected as the age-and gender-matched controls.Peripheral blood samples were analyzed to determine serum IL-6 level using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and rs1800795 SNPs phenotype using polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing.Results：There were 87 NB patients in the HR group and 43 NB patients in the non-HR group.A comparison of allele and genotype frequencies of the rs1800795 polymorphism between patients and controls found no association with NB risk （P ＞ 0.05）.The frequency of GG＋GC genotype was higher in HR-NB patients than in non-HR-NB patients （64.4％ vs.48.8％,P =0.02）,and serum IL-6 level was much higher in HR-NB patients with GG＋GC genotype than in HR-NB patients with CC genotype （4.36 ± 1.1 pg/ml vs.1.83 ± 0.5 pg/ml;P =0.02）,but not in Non-HR-NB patients.Conclusions：The polymorphism rs1800795 is associated with serum IL-6 level and level of NB risk.GG genotype might indicate that the tumor is highly malignant （prone to metastasis） and associated with poor prognosis.

Elevated levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with knee articular cartilage injury

BACKGROUND Inflammatory cytokines play a vital role in the occurrence of osteoarticular injury and inflammation. Whether inflammation-associated factors interleukin-1β(IL- 1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of keen articular cartilage injury remains poorly understood. AIM To measure the levels of inflammatory factors [IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF] in patients with knee articular cartilage injury. METHODS Fifty-five patients with knee articular cartilage injury were selected as patient groups, who were divided into three grades [mild (n = 20), moderate (n = 19) and severe (n = 16)] according to disease severity and X-ray examinations. Meanwhile, 30 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with the control group, patient groups displayed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF, and the extent of increase was directly proportional to the severity of injury (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of cells with positive staining of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF in the synovial membrane were significantly increased, along with increased disease severity (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of visual analogue scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster University of Orthopaedic Index in patient groups were 2.26 ± 1.13 and 15.56 ± 7.12 points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.98 ± 1.32 and 49.48 ± 8.96). Correlation analysis suggested that IL-1β and TNF-α were positively correlated with VEGF. CONCLUSION IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF levels are increased in patients with knee articular cartilage injury, and are associated with the disease severity, indicating they might play an important role in the occurrence and development of knee articular cartilage injury. Furthermore, therapeutically targeting them might be a novel approach for the treatment of keen articular cartilage injury.

6-Gingerol, asarinin, and deoxyschizandrin improve bronchial epithelium functions in an interleukin-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model

Objective:To explore the effects of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrindthe main components of Zingiber officinale(Willd.)Rosc.(Gan Jiang),Asarum heterotropoides f.var.mandshuricum(Maxim.)(Xi Xin),and Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.(Wu Wei Zi),respectivelydon an interleukin(IL)-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model in vitro.Methods:The BEAS-2B cell model was established using 25 ng/mL IL-13 combined with 1%fetal bovine serum(FBS)in vitro.Mitoquinone mesylate(Mito-Q)treatment was used as a positive control group,and different concentrations of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were used to treat the models.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected by flow cytometry.The expression levels of LC3B,Beclin1,adenosine 50-monophosphate(AMP)eactivated protein kinase(AMPK),phosphory-lated-AMPeactivated protein kinase(P-AMPK),dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),and mitochondrial fusion protein 2(MFN2)were detected by Western blot.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)assay kit with JC-1 was utilized to detect the level of MMP.Results:The BEAS-2B cells exposed to 25 ng/mL IL-13 with 1%FBS showed an increased ROS level and a decreased MMP.6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were able to downregulate ROS level and upregulate the MMP in the BEAS-2B model.Asarinin and deoxyschizandrin reduced the expression of autophagy protein LC3B,while deoxyschizandrin significantly increased the expression of DRP1 in the BEAS-2B model.Conclusion:6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin can reduce ROS generation and increase MMP,but have different regulatory effects on the expression of autophagy protein and mitochondrial mitotic protein.The three components have both synergistic and complementary effects in classic medicine compatibility.This study may provide an innovative strategy to reduce the lung inflammation related to IL-13.

Effects of Modified Sanhuang Decoction (加味三黄汤) Enemaon Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Colonic Mucosa Interleukin-1β,Interleukin-6 Levels in Ulcerative Colitis Rats

Objective：To investigate the effects of Modified Sanhuang Decoction（加味三黄汤,MSD）enema on the serum tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α）and colonic mucosa interleukin-1β（IL-1β）,interleukin-6（IL-6）levels in experimental ulcerative colitis（UC）rats.Methods：Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups：normal group（n=12）,model group（n=11）,salazosulfapyridine（SASP）group（n=11）and MSD group（n=11）.The UC model was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid（TNBS）/ethanol solution.Rats in the normal group and model group were clystered with 0.9%normal saline,while in the SASP group and MSD group were clystered with SASP and MSD enema,respectively.After drug administration（10 mL/kg body weight,for 7 days）,colonic gross changes and colonic mucosa histology were observed,serum TNF-αand colonic mucosa IL-1β,IL-6 levels were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay,respectively.Results：As compared with the normal group,the experimental UC rats,the colonic mucosal damage index scores（CMDIs）,histopathological scores（HS）and the serum TNF-a and colonic mucosa IL-1β,IL-6 levels significantly increased（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）.In the MSD and SASP groups,the ulcer area significantly reduced,and edema disappeared.The CMDIs,HS,the serum TNF-a and colonic mucosa IL-1β,IL-6 levels in the MSD and SASP groups significantly decreased（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）compared with the model group.The CMDIs in the MSD group were lower than that in the SASP group（P〈0.05）,but there were no significant differences in HS,serum TNF-αor colonic mucosa IL-1β,IL-6 levels between the MSD and SASP groups.Conclusion：MSD enema can improve colonic mucosa impairment and decrease serum TNF-αand colonic mucosa IL-1β,IL-6 levels in experimental UC.

Aqueous Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Level Is a Marker for Treatment Resistance to Bevacizumab in Age-Related Macular Degeneration —Aqueous Cytokines after Bevacizumab

Background: To prospectively evaluate the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on aqueous levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to correlate clinical outcomes of patients and aqueous cytokine levels before and after injection. Methods: The study group consisted of 30 eyes from 30 patients with exudative AMD who underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab three times at monthly intervals. The aqueous samples prior to the 1st injection (baseline) and 3rd injection were analyzed for VEGF and IL-6 levels, evaluating the effect of 2 doses of intravitreal bevacizumab. Study patients were sub-grouped based upon change in central subfield (CSF) macular thickness on SD-OCT, at 8 weeks. Group 1 included patients (n = 14) with a decrease in CSF thickness greater than 10% from the baseline and were categorized to have “improved”. Group 2 included patients (n = 16) who had a decrease in CSF thickness 10% or less and were considered “treatment-resistant”. Results: There was no statistically significant change in aqueous VEGF and IL-6 levels after intravitreal bevacizumab. In sub-group analysis, in both Groups 1 and 2 patients, aqueous IL-6 levels showed a better correlation with CSF thickness on SD-OCT (r = 0.72 and 0.71, respectively). Conclusions: Data from our study suggest that aqueous IL-6 may be an important marker of treatment response or resistance. Future therapeutic strategies may include targeted treatment against both VEGF and IL-6, in patients who do not respond to anti-VEGF treatment alone.