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Interleukin 13 and inflammatory markers in human sepsis
N Collighan1, P V Giannoudis, O Kourgeraki
1Department of Anaesthesia, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|May 28, 2004
Summary
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels were elevated in human sepsis and septic shock patients, correlating with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Higher IL-13 concentrations were observed in non-survivors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine with known roles in monocyte function.
- Previous reports on IL-13 in human sepsis showed no increase, contrasting with animal studies.
- This study investigated IL-13 expression in the context of human sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the expression of Interleukin-13 (IL-13) in patients with sepsis and septic shock.
- To investigate the relationship between IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and monocyte HLA-DR expression in sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 31 sepsis/septic shock patients.
- Quantification of serum IL-13, IL-2, and TNF-alpha using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Measurement of monocyte HLA-DR expression by flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-13 was significantly higher in septic shock patients compared to non-shocked patients early in the disease course.
- IL-13 concentrations were higher in non-survivors.
- IL-13 levels correlated positively with TNF-alpha, and the IL-13/TNF-alpha ratio was higher in septic shock patients.
Conclusions:
- IL-13 expression is increased in human sepsis and septic shock.
- IL-13 correlates with TNF-alpha in sepsis.
- The impact of IL-13 on monocyte HLA-DR expression in sepsis requires further investigation.