Cytokines in chronic kidney disease: potential link of MCP-1 and dyslipidemia in glomerular diseases

Abstract

Background: Many studies have indicated a role for cytokines in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma and urinary levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8) in pediatric patients with CKD stages 2-4.

Methods: Cytokines were measured in 37 healthy controls and in 42 CKD patients by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Patients were divided into groups according to CKD etiology: glomerular disease (group 1, n = 11) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (group 2, n = 31). Urinary cytokine measurements were standardized for creatinine.

Results: Plasma and urinary levels of MCP-1/CCL2 were significantly higher in both CKD groups compared to the control group. Between the two CKD groups, only urinary MCP-1/CCL2 levels were significantly different, with MCP-1/CCL2 levels higher in group 1 patients. Plasma and urinary levels of IL-8/CXCL8 and TGF-β1 were undetectable in the control group but comparable between the two CKD groups. In group 1 patients, urinary MCP-1/CCL2 levels were negatively correlated to serum albumin levels and positively correlated to the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. In group 2 patients, urinary levels of IL-8/CXCL8 were negatively correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate and positively correlated with body mass index.

Conclusions: Differences in cytokine profiles may be related to CKD etiology and other disease-associated alterations.