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Circulating interleukin-38 concentrations in healthy adults.
Lisa U Teufel1, Dennis M de Graaf1,2,3, Mihai G Netea1,4
1Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) and Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Immunology
|August 26, 2022
Summary
Establishing a reference range for Interleukin (IL)-38 in healthy adults proved challenging due to significant variations in reported concentrations. Further research is needed to determine reliable IL-38 biomarker levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Interleukin (IL)-38, a new member of the IL-1 family, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- IL-38's role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is being investigated, with conflicting concentration data in various populations.
- A defined reference range for IL-38 in healthy adults is crucial for its use as a biomarker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reference range for circulating IL-38 concentrations in healthy adults.
- To validate existing literature data by measuring IL-38 levels in internal cohorts.
- To assess factors influencing IL-38 measurements and its genetic basis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 eligible studies on IL-38 concentrations in healthy adults.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IL-38 measurement in internal cohorts.
- Assessment of blood collection, sample processing, and genetic factors (eQTL databases) on IL-38 levels.
Main Results:
- Significant inter-study variations (over 10,000-fold) in weighted mean IL-38 concentrations were observed.
- No clear association was found between IL-38 levels and blood collection methods or sample type (plasma/serum).
- While higher IL-38 concentrations were noted in Chinese vs. European populations, no genetic link was established.
Conclusions:
- A definitive reference range for circulating IL-38 in healthy adults could not be established from the current data.
- Inter-study variability and potential ethnic differences require further investigation.
- The utility of IL-38 as a reliable biomarker remains uncertain without standardized measurement and reference values.
