Leukocyte-Derived Interleukin-10 Aggravates Postoperative Ileus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after abdominal surgery, characterized by intestinal dysmotility and inflammation.
• Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is known to play a role in resolving inflammation, but its specific function in POI was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of IL-10 in the inflammation associated with postoperative ileus (POI).
• To determine the cellular sources and mechanisms of IL-10 action in the context of POI.

Main Methods:

• Induction of POI in wild-type and genetically modified mouse models (IL-10 deficient, chemokine receptor deficient).
• Analysis of leukocyte infiltration, gene/protein expression, and intestinal motility.
• Measurement of IL-10 serum levels in surgical patients via ELISA.

Main Results:

• Elevated IL-10 serum levels were observed in surgical patients.
• IL-10 deficiency in mice significantly reduced POI severity and neutrophil infiltration into the muscularis externa.
• Monocytes were identified as the primary source of IL-10, driving M2 macrophage polarization, but this polarization was not essential for POI development.

Conclusions:

• Monocyte-derived macrophages are the major source of IL-10 during POI.
• IL-10 deficiency reduces neutrophil recruitment to the surgical site by decreasing chemokine expression, thereby protecting against POI.
• Targeting IL-10 mediated neutrophil migration presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing postoperative ileus.