Mediators of innate immunity in decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the level of innate immunity mediators in patients with simple decompensation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and with acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Materials and methods. We examined 115 patients with ALC: 46 (40.0%) - with simple decompensation and 69 (60.0%) - with ACLF with multiple organ failure (hepatic, renal, cerebral, respiratory, circulatory or coagulation). The presence of ACLF was assessed using the online calculator (https://www.clifresearch.com/ToolsCalculators.aspx). Cytokines were determined by ELISA: TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 (Vector-Best, Russia). Statistical analysis was performed using Statgraph 2.1 software (Statistical Graphics Corp., USA). Results. In patients with ACLF, the levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNFα were significantly and many times higher, along with an increase in all main functional liver tests, creatinine level, and the degree of encephalopathy compared with those in patients without ACLF. The level of IL-1β did not increase significantly. Conclusion. Determination of innate immunity mediators IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in the blood is advisable to use for the diagnosis of cytokine storm and the prognosis of the development of ACLF in acute decompensation of the ALC.