Serum Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

Objective. No single previous study has evaluated serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in patients with hepatitis C virus-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia (HCV-MC). This study was undertaken to evaluate serum levels of these cytokines in patients-with HCV-MC. Methods. Serum IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha were assayed in 43 patients with HCV-MC, in 43 sex- and age-matched patients with chronic HCV without cryoglobulinemia, and in 43 sex- and age-matched controls. Results. HCV-MC patients showed significantly higher mean IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha levels than did the controls (P < 0.01.) or the HCV patients (P <= 0.04). Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF alpha were significantly higher in HCV patients than in controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate elevated serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha in patients with HCV-MC. If the importance of IL-1 beta and IL-6 in the pathogenesis of MC is confirmed, these results will open the way for the evaluation of new therapies for MC.