Changes of Serum Cytokine Levels and Relation to Clinical Specificity in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Serum cytokine levels were explored in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Eighteen patients with primary biliary cholangitis were included in the cross-sectional study. Serum cytokine levels were measured at baseline and compared to those of 21 healthy individuals. Patients with primary biliary cholangitis had significantly higher levels of cytokines - IL (interleukin) - 6 0.7 [0.34; 0.87] (p < 0.001), IL-8 1.5 [0.85; 2.8] (p < 0.001), and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) 3.5 [2.5; 6.5] (p < 0.001) compared with the control group IL-6 0.4 [0.31; 0.51], IL-8 0.53 [0.44; 0.67], and TNF-alpha 1.65 [1.33; 1.95]. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed a pronounced relation of IL-8 and primary biliary cholangitis - 16.148 (1.86-139.65). The association between the level of other cytokines and primary biliary cholangitis was assessed as nonsignificant. In the language of absolute numbers, the increase of IL-8 serum level by 1 pg/ml had increased the chance for a patient to find himself in a group of primary biliary cholangitis by 16.148 times. In addition, high IL-8 serum levels were strongly related to laboratory variables (AST (Aspartate aminotransferase), Alkp (alkaline phosphatase), ERS (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), Albumin).