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

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.