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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2014 pp 163-168

Research Article

Serum IL-8 as a prognostic factor in alcoholic liver disease patients with cognitive dysfunction

Bharati V. Nalgirkar¹, Shubhangi S. Pathak², Sanjeev Kale³

{¹Assistant Professor, ²Professor, Department of Biochemistry} {³Professor and HOD, Department of Psychiatry}

Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

Abstract

Introduction: Serum IL-8 levels are mediated by endotoxin release and activate neutrophil infiltration, a pivotal process in the pathogenesis of ALD. IL-8 levels also reflect the stage and severity of ALD and might serve as a predictor of survival in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. However, the role of IL-8 as a marker of liver disease and its association with cognitive changes in Alcoholic liver disease has not been clearly elucidated. We hypothesize that IL-8 levels can determine the stage and severity of alcoholic liver disease, and may serve as a prognostic marker in patients with alcohol related liver damage. Material and Method: A total of 68 cases and 50 age matched healthy controls were recruited. These patients were further categorized into 3 groups; fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Enrolled patients were followed for 6 months. The study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. The alcohol withdrawal syndrome was assessed with the alcohol withdrawal scale (AWS) and Global cognitive functions were assessed periodically with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Serum levels of IL-8 were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) provided by Diaclone. Conclusion: Serum IL-8 can be used as a marker to determine stages of alcoholic liver disease and correlates with cognitive dysfunction. Also high levels of IL-8 > 216 pg/ml were associated with poorer long term prognosis.