Changes of interleukin 6 and soluble IL-6 receptor levels after surgery

• Published in: International Congress series Vol. 1255; pp. 135 - 142
• Main Authors: Sakamoto, K., Hisano, S., Kamohara, H., Ishiko, T., Mita, S., Ogawa, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2003
• Subjects: IL-6; Soluble IL-6 receptor; Surgery; Trauma; Soluble IL-6 receptor; Trauma; Surgery; IL-6
• ISSN: 0531-5131; 1873-6157
• DOI: 10.1016/S0531-5131(03)00654-X

To investigate alterations in postoperative levels of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), we examined their levels in serum and drainage fluids from patients who underwent thoracoabdominal surgery. Serum IL-6 levels reached maximum within the first postoperative day and decreased thereafter. The IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with surgical trauma as defined by the operation time and volume of blood loss during operation. The IL-6 levels in the drainage fluid were much higher than in the serum (458±101-fold; mean±S.E.M.) in the early postoperative phase. IL-6 mRNA was detected in leukocytes from the drainage fluid, but not from the peripheral blood. A large quantity of sIL-6R levels was present in blood samples. The time course of serum sIL-6R levels showed no significant change. sIL-6R concentrations in the drainage fluid were significantly lower than in serum (4.5±1.1-fold; mean±S.E.M.) in the early postoperative phase. We propose that IL-6 is produced in the operative field and enters the peripheral blood stream to induce elevation of serum IL-6. Its levels are influenced by surgical trauma. sIL-6R is being constantly produced in areas other than the operative field, while sIL-6R level is reduced by consumption in the operative field. sIL-6R supplement mechanisms to cope with surgical stress, together with its ligand IL-6, may thus exist.