CYTOKINES, ZINC AND MAGNESIUM IN CHRONIC LIVER-DISEASE

Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2-receptor (IL-2R), elastase, C-reactive protein (CRP), zinc (Zn) und magnesium (Mg) were investigate in patients with chronic liver disease and correlated betw een the several types. Morever, an attempt was made to correlate cytok ines to Zn and Mg, The study involved patients with decompensated live r cirrhosis (dLC),(16 with and 33 without coma) and 12 patients with f atty liver. While the serum levels ofIL-6 (p<0,05), IL-2R (p<0,01) and Mg (p<0,05) were significantly elevated in the coma state compared to the fatty liver, showed Zn an opposite behaviour. The serum levels of Zn were significantly diminished in patients with dLC with and withou t coma compared to patients with fatty liver (p<0,01). Elastase and CR P showed no significantly differences between the groups. No correlati ons were found between cytokines and Zn, Mg, respectively. Nevertheles s, interleukines appear to influence the behaviour of these elements i n coma hepaticum.