Diagnostic Marker of Interleukin 6 in Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

Cytokines exert their action by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface. The experimental model of acute pancreatitis has conclusively shown that TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), IL-1 (interleukin) and IL-6 are also produced outside the pancreatic parenchyma. This phenomenon occurs one hour after the induction of acute pancreatitis, being accompanied by appreciable histological changes in the pancreas. IL-1 and TNF-α have as primary inducers the production of IL-6 and IL-8 and both occur systematically in acute pancreatitis. IL-6 is the major cytokine mediator of the acute phase response and is produced by monocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells. IL-6 is a measure of systemically activated pro-inflammatory cytokines. The serum level of IL-6 also reflects the severity of acute pancreatitis, its growth precedes that of C-reactive protein by 24-36 hours. IL-8 is the secondary mediator of TNF-α-induced neutrophil activation. It is a chemotactic factor that attracts neutrophils and plays a significant role in the development of MODS (multiple organ dysfunction), especially in acute pulmonary injury, associated with sepsis.