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Increased plasma interleukin-8 concentrations in alcoholic hepatitis
D B Hill1, L S Marsano, C J McClain
1Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Elevated interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels are found in alcoholic hepatitis patients, correlating with liver inflammation. These IL-8 concentrations decrease over six months as the condition improves.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by liver inflammation involving neutrophils.
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a key cytokine that attracts neutrophils and is produced by liver cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma IL-8 in alcoholic hepatitis.
- To measure serial IL-8 concentrations in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma IL-8.
- Serial measurements were taken over six months in 40 alcoholic hepatitis patients.
- Control groups included alcohol-dependent patients and healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Alcoholic hepatitis patients showed significantly higher mean plasma IL-8 levels (695 pg/ml) compared to controls (106 pg/ml and 10 pg/ml).
- IL-8 levels decreased substantially within the first month and continued to decline over six months.
- Initial high IL-8 levels correlated with liver inflammation markers.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma IL-8 suggests a significant role in the neutrophilic infiltration seen in alcoholic hepatitis.
- IL-8 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring disease activity and response to treatment.