Evaluation of interleukin-2, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients and healthy controls

There is an increasing evidence which suggests that cytokines have an important role in hemodialysis (HD) and renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in HD and renal transplant patients and healthy controls. A total of 152 individuals participated in this study over two years including 53 HD patients, 45 renal transplant patients, and 54 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-2, IL-8 and TWEAK were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean ages for HD, renal transplant patients, and healthy controls were 51 ± 13.6, 41.1 ± 13.0 and 40.73 ± 7.0 years, respectively. Serum levels of IL-2, IL-8 and TWEAK were significantly higher in HD patients compared to healthy controls. IL-2 concentrations were significantly higher in renal transplant patients compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed high levels of IL-2, IL-8 and TWEAK in HD patients and normal levels of IL-8 and TWEAK but high levels of IL-2 in renal transplant patients.