Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in Turkish children with protein-energy malnutrition

Haluk Dülger1, Mehmet Arik, M Ramazan Sekeroğlu

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Yüzüncü Yil, Tip Fakültesi, Biyokimya Anabilim Dali, Maras Caddesi, 65300 Van, Turkey. halukdulger@yahoo.com

Mediators of Inflammation
|February 13, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) show increased inflammatory responses. Interleukin-6 levels were higher in malnourished children, indicating immune system changes associated with PEM.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) stems from nutritional deficiencies, impacting children's immune systems and increasing infection susceptibility.
  • Cytokine alterations in the immune system are potential indicators of PEM-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in children diagnosed with PEM.
  • To investigate the correlation between cytokine levels and the clinical manifestations of PEM.

Main Methods:

  • Serum levels of total protein, albumin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed.
  • A cohort of 25 children with PEM (15 with kwashiorkor, 10 with marasmus) was compared against 18 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Kwashiorkor patients exhibited significantly lower serum total protein and albumin compared to marasmus patients and controls (p < 0.05).
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly elevated in both marasmus and kwashiorkor groups relative to controls (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the PEM subtypes.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels did not differ significantly across the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • The study observed an elevated inflammatory response in children suffering from malnutrition.
  • Increased IL-6 levels suggest a heightened inflammatory state associated with PEM in pediatric populations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Preparing a Mice Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis via a Combination of Caerulein and Lipopolysaccharide Intraperitoneal Injection07:38

Preparing a Mice Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis via a Combination of Caerulein and Lipopolysaccharide Intraperitoneal Injection

Published on: May 10, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...