Levels of circulating antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and proinflammatory cytokines at different stages of biliary atresia

Background/Purpose: Antiinflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1ra) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha and IL-6) appear to play important roles in the pathophysiology of liver disease. In this study, the authors attempt to identify, the roles of IL-1ra, IL-6, and TNF-alpha at different stages in postoperative biliary atresia (POBA) patients. Methods: Serum concentrations of IL-1ra, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were measured in 34 POSA patients and 25 healthy controls using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). POBA patients were classified into 5 groups: group I (n = 21), less than 3 years old; Ia, stable; Ib, mild liver dysfunction; Ic. severe liver dysfunction. Group II (n = 13), (more than 3 years old); IIa, stable; IIb, variable liver dysfunction. Results: For IL-1ra differences between controls and groups Ib, Ic, and IIa were statistically significant (P < .01), and for IL-6, differences between controls and groups la, Ib, Ic, and IIb were statistically significant (P < .01). Groups Ib and Ic (less than 3 years old subjects) had the highest levels in this series. Serum TNF-alpha was not detected in any groups, Conclusion: The relationship between serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra may be predictive of prognosis with respect to the progression of fibrosis in POBA patients. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.