A case of POEMS syndrome showing elevated serum interleukin 6 and abnormal expression of interleukin 6 in the kidney.
A 46-year-old female presented with POEMS syndrome. Hemodialysis was initiated to control severe anasarca and declining renal function. Corticosteroids were effective in treating renal insufficiency and other symptoms. Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) was elevated before the corticosteroid therapy but returned to the normal level under the therapy. Immunostaining for the kidney tissue obtained by a renal biopsy showed a diffuse distribution of IL-6 in the glomeruli; thus, in contrast to normal, IL-6 was detected not only in mesangial cells but also in endothelial cells. IL-6 was also distributed in capillaries in the interstitium. While these results suggest a pathogenic role of IL-6 in POEMS syndrome, other factors may be necessary for the full expression of symptoms. Furthermore, it is suggested that chronically stimulated glomerular endothelial cells are capable of producing IL-6.
Fukatsu
A
A
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Ito
Y
Y
Yuzawa
Y
Y
Yoshida
F
F
Kato
M
M
Miyakawa
K
K
Matsuo
S
S
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D007668:Kidney / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016878:POEMS Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D015850:Interleukin-6