title: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in serum and urine of renal transplant recipients.
abstract: Hybridoma growth factor (HGF) is a 20-25 kD protein, supporting the growth of hybridoma cells in vitro and capable of replacing feeder cells. It was shown to be produced by human monocytes and a number of cultured cell lines. Recently, HGF was found to be identical to interferon-beta 2 or 26 kD protein and BSF-2, and was renamed interleukin 6 (IL-6). Using a sensitive bio-assay we were able to measure IL-6 activity in the serum and urine of healthy volunteers and renal transplant recipients. Low levels of IL-6 were present in the serum but not in the urine of healthy individuals. In contrast, both serum and urine of renal transplant recipients contained high levels of IL-6 directly after transplantation and during acute rejection episodes. On the basis of kinetic studies of the IL-6 response, it is concluded that serial measurement of IL-6, especially in urine, may be of value in monitoring renal transplant recipients. Moreover, the sensitivity of the bioassay will allow for detailed studies as to the biological significance of IL-6 in health and disease.
authors.affiliation: Renal Transplant Unit, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Van Oers
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Van der Heyden
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Aarden
mesh_terms: D006084:Graft Rejection; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000652:urine*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances; D007378:Interleukins