Serum interleukin-6 is associated with hypocalcemia, hypoferritinemia and hyperkalemia in end- stage renal disease patients

Abstract

Both of chronic inflammation and mineral disturbance are major concerns in patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study aimed to investigate the association between circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and minerals dysregulation in patients diagnosed with ESRD and on a continuous hemodialysis regimen. This cross-sectional study included 74 patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis. Serum samples were tested for IL-6 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mineral were analyzed using an electrolyte analyzer and biochemical tests. Parameter correlations were analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation test. Among the studies group, the male: female ratio was 1:0.72. IL-6 mean value was 13.77 pg/mL ±9.79 SD. IL-6 was significantly negatively correlated with circulating iron and calcium levels (r= –0.229, P=0.049; r= –0.252, P=0.03, respectively). IL-6 was significantly positively correlated with K+ levels (r=0.269, P=0.02). The present study highlighted only the substantial role of IL-6 in mineral dysregulation in hemodialysis patients. However, identifying IL-6 as potential therapeutic target for minimizing and monitoring clinical effects of mineral disturbances in hemodialysis patients still requires further confirmatory studies.