Type 3 innate lymphoid cells as an indicator of renal dysfunction and serum uric acid in hyperuricemia

Background. Type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are a newly identified group of innate immune cells that participate in the progression of several metabolic diseases by secreting interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22. These cytokines are associated with hyperuricemia (HUA) severity and development; however, the relationship between ILC3s and HUA remains unclear. Objectives. To determine the characteristics of circulating ILC3s in patients with HUA. Materials and methods. Type 3 innate lymphoid cells and their subsets were detected using flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 80 HUA patients and 30 healthy controls (HC). Plasma levels of IL-17A and IL-22 were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical data of enrolled subjects were collected from electronic medical records. Results. In patients with HUA, the frequency of circulating ILC3s was elevated and positively correlated with levels of serum uric acid and serum creatinine (Scr). Although there was no significant difference in the plasma concentration of IL-17A between the patients with HUA and healthy controls, positive correlations between plasma IL-17A and the concentration of serum uric acid and frequency of circulating ILC3s were observed in the patients with HUA. Conclusions. In patients with HUA, positive correlations were detected between circulating ILC3 levels, plasma IL-17A and serum uric acid. Therefore, ILC3s and IL-17A may be useful indicators of disease severity, and are potential new therapeutic targets in HUA.

Automated summary

This study found that the frequency of circulating ILC3s is elevated in patients with HUA and is positively correlated with serum uric acid and creatinine levels. Although there is no significant difference in plasma IL-17A concentration between HUA patients and healthy controls, positive correlations between plasma IL-17A and serum uric acid levels and circulating ILC3 frequency were observed in HUA patients.