Serum interleukin-2 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in renal transplant recipients

P. H. Lee, Y. C. Chung, R. H. Hu, M. T. Huang, S. H. Chao, C. J. Lee, C. S. Lee

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4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), released during T-lymphocyte activation, were measured in serial samples of serum from 32 patients with renal allografts and other uremic patients. Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis had elevated sIL-2R levels (1,801.93 ± 753.23 U/mL) which dropped after stable renal transplantation (822 ± 438 u/mL). However, these values were higher than those of a normal control group (397.3 ± 84.5 u/mL, p < 0.01). Marked elevation of sIL-2R (1,503.78 ± 640 u/mL) was noted in patients with acute rejection episodes compared to those in a stable allograft condition (p < 0.02) and those with cyclosporine nephrotoxicity (793.2 ± 245.2 u/mL, p < 0.01). Acute tubular necrosis and infection also showed a comparable rise in the sIL-2R level. The increase in sIL-2R with rejection was found one to four days earlier than the clinical diagnosis of acute rejection. There was a marked rise in the serum IL-2 level of uremic and post-transplant patients when compared to normal subjects (34.76 ± 32.16 u/mL and 9.3 ± 12.7 u/mL vs 4.38 ± 3.38 u/mL, p < 0.001), but no significant differences were found between the IL-2 level of patients with acute rejection and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity or acute tubular necrosis (3.74 ± 4.51 u/mL, 1.57 ± 1.25 u/mL and 6.73 ± 6.3 u/mL, p > 0.05). The diagnostic value of sIL-2R assay was more meaningful than that of IL-2. Serial monitoring of sIL-2R levels could be valuable as an indication of immunologic activation in renal allograft recipients. It is particularly helpful in differentiating the allograft dysfunctions of rejection and cyclosporine nephrotoxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)844-848
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the Formosan Medical Association
Volume91
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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