The role of interleukin-6 in the development of protein-energy deficiency in patients on program hemodialysis

The development of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in patients on program hemodialysis is one of the significant problems of modern hemodialysis. Despite the relevance of this problem, there is no single point of view on the mechanisms of development of PEM in this cohort of patients.

Objective. To assess the change in the level of interleukin-6 (IL6) in the blood of patients on program hemodialysis, and also to study the relationship between the level of IL6 in the blood serum and PEM indicators in this group of patients.

Material and methods. The study involved 645 patients receiving treatment with program hemodialysis (300 men and 345 women; mean age – 56.8±12.8 years). All patients underwent a traditional clinical and laboratory examination.

Results. In 66% of patients on hemodialysis, a significant increase in the level of IL6 in the blood was detected. Moreover, in patients with signs of PEM, the level of IL6 in the blood was statistically significantly higher compared to patients without signs of PEM. Also, patients with elevated IL6 levels had statistically significantly lower values of total protein, albumin, prealbumin, total cholesterol, transferrin and blood lymphocyte levels compared to patients with normal IL6 levels.

Also, patients with elevated IL6 levels had statistically significantly lower values of body mass index, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass compared to patients with normal IL6 levels.

Conclusion. The data obtained suggest that an increase in the level of IL6 in the blood may be an important pathogenetic link in the development of PEM in patients receiving treatment with program hemodialysis.