Correlation Analysis of IL-17, IL-21, IL-23 with Non-Alcoholic Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis

Abstract

Objective This research aimed to explore the involvement of interleukins (IL) - IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23 - in the evolution and diagnosis of non-alcoholic liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Methods The study subjects were selected from the patients who visited the Department of Hepatology of X Hospital in Y City from August 2021 to April 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected. All participants were divided into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and healthy subjects four groups. IL-21, IL-17, IL23, IL-6 were detected by double antibody sandwich. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference in the levels of IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23 among the 4 groups (P<0.0001). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values of IL-17, IL-21 and liver fiber 4 items were >0.70, suggesting that the diagnostic efficacy of IL-17, IL-21 was similar to that of liver fiber 4 items. Spearman correlation analysis showed that IL-17 had a positive correlation with collagen type III N-peptide, type IV collagen, and Laminin (P < 0.05), and no correlation with Hyaluronic acid (P > 0.05). Conclusion IL-17, IL-21, and IL-23 play a pivotal role in the inflammatory pathways associated with liver injuries, establishing themselves as potent auxiliary diagnostic markers in identifying liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Utility of Selected Serum Adipokines and Cytokines in Subjects with MASLD—A Pilot Study

“…Interleukin 23 may play an important role in inflammatory pathways associated with liver damage. According to the results of a recently published study by Yang et al, this cytokine may be a potential marker in the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis [25]. Additionally, metalloproteinases, specifically gelatinases, were selected for evaluation in our study.…”