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Increased plasma interleukin-6 concentrations in alcoholic hepatitis
1Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084.
The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in alcoholic hepatitis and correlates with disease severity. IL-6 levels decreased with clinical improvement, suggesting its role as an inflammation marker in alcoholic liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine in the acute phase response, particularly hepatic manifestations.
- Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by significant acute phase response activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serial plasma IL-6 levels in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
- To assess the correlation between IL-6 levels and disease severity.
- To investigate IL-6's role in regulating acute phase reactants.
Main Methods:
- Serial plasma IL-6 levels were measured over 6 months in 30 patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
- Disease severity was assessed using Maddrey's discriminant function.
- Levels of serum albumin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, IgA, and C-reactive protein were also measured.
Main Results:
- Mean admission IL-6 levels were markedly elevated (49.8 U/ml) in alcoholic hepatitis patients, decreasing to 15.6 U/ml at 6 months.
- Admission IL-6 activity significantly correlated with disease severity (r = 0.82).
- IL-6 levels mirrored the trends of bilirubin and C-reactive protein, with depressed albumin and elevated IgA and C-reactive protein.
Conclusions:
- Plasma IL-6 is a significant marker of inflammation and disease severity in alcoholic hepatitis.
- IL-6 plays a regulatory role in the acute phase response in alcoholic hepatitis.
- Monitoring IL-6 levels may aid in assessing disease progression and treatment response.