Interleukin 6 concentration in ascitic fluid of cirrhotic patients: relationship with previous episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to determine whether inter-leukin (IL)-6 concentrations in plasma and ascitic fluid from cirrhotic patients with previous episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) differred from those with no previous episodes of SBP.


METHODS
Cirrhotic patients with ascites were divided into two groups: G1, without previous episodes of SBP (n = 6), and G2, with previous episodes of SBP (n = 6). Patients with chronic heart failure (n = 5) with ascites, without hepatic diseases, were included as controls (G3). IL-6 concentration was determined in ascitic fluid and plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A group of healthy subjects (n = 8) was used as a control for the blood IL-6 assay.


RESULTS
IL-6 concentration in ascitic fluid was significantly higher in G1 (P < 0.05) than in G2 or G3. No significant difference in plasma IL-6 concentrations was observed between the groups or between each group and the healthy subjects. A significant positive linear correlation (P < 0.002) was observed between IL-6 concentration and total protein in ascitic fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
A low concentration of IL-6 in ascitic fluid could predispose cirrhotic patients to SBP.
Souza
Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte
MH
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cunha
Fernando Q
FQ
Martinelli
Ana L C
AL
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000150:complications*; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D015850:Interleukin-6; D011506:Proteins