The effect of surgically induced weight reduction on the serum levels of the cytokines: Interleukin-3 and tumor necrosis factor

Background: Morbid obesity and malnutrition have both been demonstrated to have deleterious effects on the immune function. Cytokines are immunomodula tory peptides that have profound effects on immune function. To the authors ' knowledge, the effect of surgically induced weight reduction on the cytok ine levels has yet not been studied. In the present study, the authors dete rmined the effect of surgically induced weight reduction on the levels of t he cytokines interleukin-3 (IL-3) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alph a). Methods: 14 patients undergoing silicone ring vertical gastroplasty were in cluded in the study (mean BMI 48.85 kg/m(2); range 38.1-52.0 kg/m(2)). Dete rmination of the IL-3 and TNF-alpha levels was performed preoperatively and 14 days and 6 months postoperatively, when all patients had lost 25% to 30 % of their preoperative weight. Results: The IL-3 values before the procedure, and 14 days and 6 months aft er, were as follows: 9.69 +/- 1.82, 9.36 +/- 1.28, and 8.42 +/- 1.26 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05 preoperative versus 6 months postoperative level). The preoperative TNF-alpha levels showed a wide distribution. For this reas on, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A with preoperative va lues >10 pg/mL and Group B with values <10 pg/mL. In Group A, a significant decrease from the preoperative level of 24.46 +/- 6.83 to 7.59 +/- 4.56, a nd 6.69 +/- 5.46 pg/mL was measured at 14 days and 6 months postoperatively , respectively (P < 0.05). In Group B, the TNF-alpha levels were not signif icantly changed and were 5.45 +/- 2.26, 7.59 +/- 4.56, and 8.82 +/- 6.27 pg /mL, respectively. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a significant decrease in the le vels of the cytokines, IL-3 and TNF-alpha. These changes can be responsible for alteration of the immune function after surgically induced weight redu ction.