TH-1 and TH-2 cytokines in stable chronic alcoholics #MMPMID22510812
Gonzalez-Reimers E; Santolaria-Fernandez F; Medina-Garcia JA; Gonzalez-Perez JM; de la Vega-Prieto MJ; Medina-Vega L; Martin-Gonzalez C; Duran-Castellon MC
Alcohol Alcohol 2012[Jul]; 47 (4): 390-6 PMID22510812show ga
In alcoholics, the activation of Kupffer cells by gram negative bacteriae leads to an inflammatory response and cytokine secretion, which in turn activate T-lymphocytes. Possibly, Th-1 lymphocytes are activated first, followed by a Th-2 response. Th-2 cytokines, especially interleukin (IL)-13 (scarcely studied in alcoholics), may be involved in the progression to chronic stages. AIMS: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship of Th-1 and Th-2 cytokines with liver function, alcohol consumption, nutritional status and survival. METHODS: Serum Th-1 [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)] and Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13), IL-10, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), were determined for 18 controls and 47 stable alcoholics with variable liver function impairment, who were followed-up during a median time of 90 months, a period during which 14 patients died. RESULTS: IL-4 was lower among patients; no differences were observed regarding IL-6, but the remaining ILs were higher among alcoholics. IL-10 and IL-13 were even higher in cirrhotics (Z = 2.88, P = 0.004, and Z = 2.09, P = 0.037, respectively). A significant, direct, correlation was observed between IL-13 and IL-10 (rho = 0.49, P = 0.001), and non-significant, inverse ones were observed between IFN-gamma and IL-13 (rho = -0.23), IL-4 (rho = -0.14) and IL-10 (rho = -0.09). IL-13 and IL-10 were inversely related with liver function and, directly with immunoglobulin A levels, but not with survival. CONCLUSION: Serum IFN-gamma values were increased in alcoholics, who also showed raised IL-13 and IL-10, but lower IL-4 levels. Given the immunomodulatory roles of IL-10 and IL-13, this increase may be interpreted as a compensatory rise of anti-inflammatory cytokines. We failed to find any relation with mortality.
Alcohol+Alcohol 2012 ; 47 (4): 390-6
