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Study of IL-6 and vitamin D3 in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis
Shubhangi M Dalvi1, Nagsen N Ramraje2, Vinayak W Patil3
1Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Grant Government Medical College and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals, Byculla, Mumbai 400008, India.
Background:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis can grow in hostile intracellular environment of macrophages by actively evading macrophage-associated antibacterial activities. The stress response factor contributes this process by releasing inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 6 (IL-6). IL-6 screening of patients with TB may be useful to monitor the progress of infection and to infer the risk of progression to active disease. Vitamin D has a critical role in the innate immune system, in the circulating metabolite and supports induction of pleiotropic antimicrobial responses, through the production of antimicrobial peptides, particularly cathelicidin and its active metabolite. 1,25-dihydoxyvitamin D, has long been known to enhance immune response to mycobacteria. In this study, we have studied the role of IL-6 and Vitamin D3 in M. tuberculosis.
Materials And Methods:
Three groups involved in this study are Control, Category I (newly diagnosed TB) and MDR TB patients. The serum levels of IL-6 and vitamin D3 were measured using chemiluminescence and fully-automated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively.
Results:
The serum levels of IL-6 were significantly increased, whereas vitamin D3 decreased in TB multidrug-resistant group of patients compared to the newly diagnosed TB patients.
Conclusion:
IL-6 appears to be the major cytokine elaborated by mycobacteria infection as well as play a role in the clinical manifestations and pathological events and hence may function as a potent biomarker of tuberculosis. Since, Vitamin D increases activity of cell-mediated immunity; it can be used as a supplementation during tuberculosis therapy.
Insights
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels increase in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) patients, while Vitamin D3 levels decrease. These findings suggest IL-6 may be a biomarker for TB progression and Vitamin D3 a potential therapeutic supplement.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis evades macrophage defenses, with Interleukin 6 (IL-6) playing a role in this process.
- IL-6 screening may help monitor tuberculosis (TB) infection and predict disease progression.
- Vitamin D is crucial for innate immunity, supporting antimicrobial peptide production and enhancing immune responses to mycobacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of IL-6 and Vitamin D3 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
- To compare IL-6 and Vitamin D3 levels in different TB patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of IL-6 and Vitamin D3 were measured in three groups: Control, newly diagnosed TB patients (Category I), and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) patients.
- Chemiluminescence was used for IL-6 measurement, and fully-automated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Vitamin D3.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in MDR TB patients compared to newly diagnosed TB patients.
- Serum Vitamin D3 levels were significantly decreased in MDR TB patients compared to newly diagnosed TB patients.
Conclusions:
- IL-6 is a key cytokine in mycobacterial infections, potentially serving as a biomarker for TB clinical manifestations and pathological events.
- Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in tuberculosis therapy due to its role in enhancing cell-mediated immunity.
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