Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 in patients with chronic kidney disease: A comparative study of pre- and post-dialysis concentrations
Azadi Teaching Hospital – Kirkuk Health Directorate, Kirkuk Iraq.
* Corresponding Author; Email: nasreenaahmad12@gmail.com
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 12(02), 057–063.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.12.2.0101
Publication history:
Received on 08 September 2026; revised on 17 October 2026; accepted on 19 October 2026
Abstract:
Background: Chronic kidney disease and renal failure are associated with persistent systemic inflammation, particularly involving pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Hemodialysis (HD), although essential for the management of renal failure, may further influence inflammatory responses through interactions between blood and the dialysis membrane and other dialysis-related factors.
Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis and to compare cytokine concentrations before and after hemodialysis with those of healthy individuals.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from March 2026 to August 2026 at Amal Center in Kirkuk. A total of 90 participants were included and divided into three groups: 30 renal failure patients evaluated before hemodialysis (Pre-HD), 30 patients evaluated after hemodialysis (Post-HD), and 30 healthy individuals serving as controls. The control participants were comparable in age and had normal renal parameters with no previous history of renal impairment. Blood samples were collected for determination of serum/plasma IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α concentrations. Statistical analysis was performed to assess differences among the study groups, with differences considered statistically significant at P < 0.001.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in IL-6 levels among hemodialysis patients. The mean IL-6 concentration increased from 13.63 ± 2.10 pg/dl before hemodialysis to 28.72 ± 9.02 pg/dl after hemodialysis, compared with 3.90 ± 3.03 pg/dl in the control group (P < 0.001). In contrast, IL-10 levels decreased from 1.23 ± 0.74 pg/dl in the control group to 0.75 ± 0.57 pg/dl before hemodialysis, followed by a significant increase to 3.12 ± 0.52 pg/dl after hemodialysis (P < 0.001). Similarly, TNF-α levels demonstrated a progressive increase, from 0.53 ± 0.28 pg/dl in controls to 1.11 ± 0.41 pg/dl before hemodialysis and 1.59 ± 0.57 pg/dl after hemodialysis (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Hemodialysis was associated with significant alterations in circulating inflammatory cytokines. The marked elevation of IL-6 and TNF-α in hemodialysis patients indicates an enhanced pro-inflammatory state, particularly following the dialysis session. The increase in IL-10 after hemodialysis may reflect activation of compensatory anti-inflammatory mechanisms in response to the inflammatory stimulus.
Keywords:
Chronic renal failure; Hemodialysis; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-10; Tumor necrosis.
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