Serum Cytokine Levels in Hypertensive Children: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Interleukin-6

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. Recently published data have suggested that chronic inflammation could be an independent risk factor for hypertension. Association between interleukin (IL)-6 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and hypertension is controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between blood pressure and cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and adiponectin in hypertensive children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty hypertensive children were included in this study. The obesity index, body mass index (BMI) and skin fold thickness of the subjects were measured, and the fat mass and distributions analyzed. Blood pressure was also measured, as were the serum aldosterone, renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), insulin and homocysteine levels. The serum TNF-alpha, IL-6 and adiponectin levels were also estimated. RESULTS: The serum renin, insulin, homocysteine and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in hypertensive compared to normal children. The serum TNF-alpha level had positive correlation with the insulin and negative correlations with adiponectin levels, respectively. The level of insulin had a significant negative correlation with that of adiponectin. CONCLUSION: The serum IL-6 level was significantly increased in hypertensive children. Further long-term follow-up studies will be required to reveal the role of cytokines in hypertensive children.