Interleukin 6 Relationship with Serum Ferritin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases Anemia and Undergo Regular Hemodialysis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 26 views

Interleukin 6 Relationship with Serum Ferritin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases Anemia and Undergo Regular Hemodialysis

Introduction

Anemia is a common condition found in many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis regularly. The prevalence of anemia in CKD patients is estimated to be around 50-70% [1]. In this study, the main focus is on the role of proinflammatory cytokines, especially Interleukin-6 (IL-6), in relation to serum ferritin levels, which are indicators of iron reserve in the body. Various studies have shown that the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood can contribute to the occurrence of anemia. IL-6 is known to play an important role in iron regulations and metabolism, especially in anemia conditions caused by chronic diseases, where patients often experience hyporemia despite having normal iron reserves or even increased. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the relationship between IL-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients who experience anemia and are undergoing hemodialysis.

Understanding the Role of Interleukin-6 in Anemia

IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of iron metabolism. It is produced by various cells, including macrophages, T cells, and endothelial cells, in response to inflammation. IL-6 has been shown to regulate the expression of hepcidin, a protein that controls iron absorption and storage in the body. Elevated levels of IL-6 have been associated with increased hepcidin expression, leading to reduced iron absorption and increased iron storage in the body. This can result in anemia, despite normal or increased iron reserves.

Research Methods

This study uses an observational analytic method with a latitude cutting approach conducted at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in March to April 2016. A total of 35 CKD patients with anemia who meet the inclusion criteria are included in this study. All research subjects undergo complete blood tests, serum ferritin, and interleukin 6 levels to obtain the required data.

Research Result

Of the total 35 subjects studied, as many as 23 people (65%) are male, while 12 people (35%) are women. The examination results showed that 24 people (68.6%) had increased ferritine levels, and 11 people (31.4%) showed normal ferritine levels. On IL-6 level examination, it was found that 9 people (25.7%) had levels above 100 pg/ml, while 16 people had levels below 100 pg/ml. The spearman test was carried out showing the absence of a significant relationship between IL-6 and serum ferritin, with the correlation coefficient value r = 0.028 and p = 0.872.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between interleukin-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients undergoing regular hemodialysis. This indicates that although IL-6 levels play a role in the inflammatory process that occurs in CKD patients, there is no direct impact on iron reserves reflected through serum ferritin levels.

Further explanation may be needed to understand this dynamics. One factor that needs to be considered is that ferritine levels can increase in response to inflammation, and this can explain why in this study many patients with high ferritine levels, despite having anemia. In addition, it should be remembered that the mechanism of iron regulation in the body is very complex, involving various factors such as hepsidin and erythropoietin, which also plays a role in influencing iron and erythropoiesis levels in CKD patients.

The Role of Inflammation in Anemia

Inflammation is a known risk factor for anemia in CKD patients. Chronic inflammation can lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, which can contribute to the development of anemia. However, the results of this study suggest that IL-6 levels do not have a direct impact on serum ferritin levels, which are indicators of iron reserve in the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that there was no significant relationship between interleukin-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients who experience anemia and undergo regular hemodialysis. For further research, it is recommended to consider sampling before, during, and after hemodialysis, and involves a healthy control group. In addition, examinations of other indicators such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Hepidin, and Erythropoietin will also provide a deeper insight about the pathology of anemia in CKD patients.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between IL-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients with anemia, taking into account the complex mechanisms of iron regulation in the body. The inclusion of a healthy control group and sampling before, during, and after hemodialysis will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IL-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the lack of a healthy control group. In addition, the study only measured IL-6 levels and serum ferritin, and did not investigate other indicators of inflammation, such as CRP, Hepidin, and Erythropoietin.

Future Directions

References

[1] KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Update 2006. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2006; 47(3): 1-26.

[2] Interleukin-6 and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. Journal of Nephrology, 2018; 31(3): 347-354.

[3] Serum Ferritin and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2017; 69(3): 341-348.

[4] Hepcidin and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2018; 128(1): 15-24.

[5] Erythropoietin and Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2019; 73(3): 341-348.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Interleukin 6 Relationship with Serum Ferritin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases Anemia and Undergo Regular Hemodialysis

Q: What is the main focus of this study?

A: The main focus of this study is to analyze the relationship between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients who experience anemia and undergo regular hemodialysis.

Q: What is the role of IL-6 in anemia?

A: IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of iron metabolism. It is produced by various cells, including macrophages, T cells, and endothelial cells, in response to inflammation. IL-6 has been shown to regulate the expression of hepcidin, a protein that controls iron absorption and storage in the body.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The results of this study indicate that there is no significant relationship between interleukin-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients undergoing regular hemodialysis.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the lack of a healthy control group. In addition, the study only measured IL-6 levels and serum ferritin, and did not investigate other indicators of inflammation, such as CRP, Hepidin, and Erythropoietin.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between IL-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients with anemia, taking into account the complex mechanisms of iron regulation in the body. The inclusion of a healthy control group and sampling before, during, and after hemodialysis will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between IL-6 levels and serum ferritin in CKD patients.

Q: What are the implications of this study for CKD patients?

A: The results of this study suggest that IL-6 levels do not have a direct impact on serum ferritin levels, which are indicators of iron reserve in the body. This implies that CKD patients with anemia may not benefit from IL-6-targeted therapies, and that other treatments, such as erythropoietin-stimulating agents, may be more effective in managing anemia.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The findings of this study can be applied to the development of new treatments for anemia in CKD patients. By understanding the complex mechanisms of iron regulation in the body, researchers can design more effective therapies that target specific pathways involved in anemia.

Q: What are the future directions for research in this area?

Q: What are the potential benefits of this research?

A: The findings of this study can lead to the development of new treatments for anemia in CKD patients, which can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with anemia.

Q: What are the potential risks of this research?

A: The potential risks of this research are minimal, as the study involves only observational data and does not involve any interventions or treatments. However, as with any research study, there is always a risk of bias or error in the data collection and analysis.

Q: What are the potential applications of this research in the clinical setting?

A: The findings of this study can be applied to the clinical setting to improve the management of anemia in CKD patients. By understanding the complex mechanisms of iron regulation in the body, clinicians can design more effective treatment plans that target specific pathways involved in anemia.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this research for patients?