Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1 receptor antagonist in the hepatic vein following liver surgery

Background/Aims: The liver produces various I cytokines, but local changes in the concentrations of these reaction products after liver surgery are un known. We investigated the local changes of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 an d interleukin-1 receptor antagonist after liver surgery. Methodology: We determined levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and inte rleukin-1 receptor antag-onist in the hepatic vein and radial artery after liver resection in 13 patients. These cytokine levels in the portal vein we re also measured in 6 patients. Results: Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonis t levels were significantly increased during liver surgery (P<0.05). The le vel of interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the hepatic vein than in th e radial artery as well as in the portal vein at the end of the operation ( P<0.05, <0.03). The level of interleukin-8 and interleukin-1 receptor antag onist was significantly higher in the hepatic vein than in the artery (P<0. 05). Conclusions: Interleukin-6 may be taken up by the liver after liver surgery , and the difference between hepatic venous and peripheral arterial interle ukin-6 levels may be an indicator of liver regeneration after liver resecti on. Interleukin-8 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist appear to be produc ed in the remaining liver.