Clinical significance of serum interleukin-6 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease

Renuka Charan Chokkavarapu
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Parimala Bachireddy
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Vaibhavi Reddy Billa
Yethindra Vityala
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Maheshwara Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Maheshwara Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Maheshwara Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Honorary International Faculty, AJ Research Centre, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Received: 4 January 2024 / Revised12 March 2024 / Accepted: 9 April 2024 / Published: 30 September 2024

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and kidney tissues are associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, in the development of cardiovascular complications is well studied, the relationship between serum IL-6 levels and CKD markers remains unclear. This study investigated the clinical significance of serum IL-6 levels in patients with CKD.

Material and methods. Participants were divided into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): group 1 (n=86) with eGFR >60 mL/min and group 2 (n=74) with eGFR <60 mL/min. The CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation was used to calculate eGFR from serum creatinine and cystatin C levels to assess CKD severity.

Results. Systolic blood pressure was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (138±22 mmHg vs. 129±19 mmHg; p<0.05). Serum IL-6 levels were also higher in group 2 (3.095 [interquartile range: 1.528–6.547] pg/mL) than in group 1 (1.711 [interquartile range: 0.920– 3.342] pg/mL; p <0.05). Serum IL-6 levels were strongly correlated with eGFR in multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis.

Conclusion. IL-6 levels increased in patients with CKD with an eGFR <60 mL/min, and this increase was associated with eGFR and diastolic blood pressure.

 

Cite 

Chokkavarapu RC, Bachireddy P, Billa VR, Vityala Y. Clinical significance of serum interleukin-6 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease. Eur J Clin Exp Med. 2024;22(3):551–555. doi: 10.15584/ejcem.2024.3.13.

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