Cytokine profile in renal transplant patients in a long-term period after surgery

In the long-term period after kidney transplantation, a certain level of tissue inflammation and therefore the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-2 can be found. The aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-2 and its soluble receptor (IL-2R) in renal transplant patients, regarding the length of the postoperative period. The study involved 65 patients, transplanted at least 12 months prior to our investigation, divided into three groups, regarding the time passed since the transplantation (12-24, 24-48, and >48 months consecutively). Concentrations of the cytokines in the plasma of the subjects were measured using ELISA method. Group I showed significantly higher concentrations of IL-1b compared to the III (p<0.05), IL-18 compared to the II and III (p<0.05) and TNF-a compared to the II (p<0.05). Cytokine concentrations correlated with the time passed since the transplantation (p<0.05), except for TNF-a. Interleukin-2 correlated negatively with IL-18 and immunosuppressant dosage (p<0.05). Interleukin-1b, IL-18 and TNF-α measurements should be considered for monitoring and detecting potentially subclinical allograft damage in the second year after surgery. However, the dynamics of the change of cytokine concentration may also have been altered by the components of the immunosuppressive protocols used, such as tacrolimus, which is a link that is yet to be examined.