Introduction: The presence of esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis indicates clinically significant portal hypertension (PH), that results from structural and dynamic changes in the liver and systemic circulation including the activation of several fibrotic and inflammatory pathways. We assessed if interleukin-18 (IL-18) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) serum levels can be used as PH markers and reflect its severity. Material and methods: IL-18 and TGF-beta 1 peripheral blood levels were analyzed in 83 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices compared to healthy individuals, in relation to MELD and Child-Pugh scores, laboratory and Doppler ultrasound parameters, and non-selective beta-blocker therapy (NSBB). Results: IL-18 concentration was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients, while TGF-beta 1 concentration was lower than in controls. MELD score correlated positively with IL-18 levels and negatively with TGF-beta 1 levels. IL-18 levels correlated positively with bilirubin, INR, ALT and AST levels, and negatively with albumin levels and erythrocyte count. TGF-beta 1 levels correlated positively with platelet count, leukocyte, and erythrocyte count, and negatively with bilirubin levels and prothrombin time. Moreover, significant correlations were found: between IL and 18 levels and portal, mesenteric superior, and splenic vein velocity, and between TGF-beta 1 levels and splenic vein diameter and spleen size. In a subgroup of patients, IL-18 levels significantly decreased after NSBB. Conclusion: The observed imbalance of peripheral IL-18 and TGF-beta 1 levels indicates clinically significant PH associated with the presence of esophageal varices in cirrhosis. The correlation of IL-18 levels with liver failure indicators and decrease with NSBB suggest an important role of IL-18 in disease progression and its potential use as noninvasive test for PH assessment.
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[1]
Albilllos A, 2011, DIS MARKERS, V31, P121, DOI [10.1155/2011/706032, 10.3233/DMA-2011-0834]
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Univ Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Univ Med Ctr Nijmegen, Dept Med, Nijmegen, NetherlandsUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Dinarello, Charles A.
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Novick, Daniela
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Weizmann Inst Sci, Dept Mol Genet, IL-76100 Rehovot, IsraelUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Novick, Daniela
;
Kim, Soohyun
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Konkuk Univ, Dept Biomed Sci & Technol, Seoul, South KoreaUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Kim, Soohyun
;
Kaplanski, Gilles
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Aix Marseille Univ, UMR S 1076, Marseille, France
Hop Conception, AP HP, Serv Med Interne, Marseille, FranceUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
机构:
Hosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaHosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina
Dirchwolf, Melisa
;
Eduardo Ruf, Andres
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Fdn Docencia & Invest Enfermedades Higado FUNDIEH, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaHosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina
机构:
Univ Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Univ Med Ctr Nijmegen, Dept Med, Nijmegen, NetherlandsUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Dinarello, Charles A.
;
Novick, Daniela
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Weizmann Inst Sci, Dept Mol Genet, IL-76100 Rehovot, IsraelUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Novick, Daniela
;
Kim, Soohyun
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Konkuk Univ, Dept Biomed Sci & Technol, Seoul, South KoreaUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
Kim, Soohyun
;
Kaplanski, Gilles
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
机构:
Aix Marseille Univ, UMR S 1076, Marseille, France
Hop Conception, AP HP, Serv Med Interne, Marseille, FranceUniv Colorado Denver, Dept Med, Aurora, CO USA
机构:
Hosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaHosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina
Dirchwolf, Melisa
;
Eduardo Ruf, Andres
论文数: 0引用数: 0
h-index: 0
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Fdn Docencia & Invest Enfermedades Higado FUNDIEH, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaHosp Francisco J Muniz, Hepatopatias Infecciosas, RA-1282 Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina