Association of serum Interlukin-6 and glycolysis in sickle cell disease patients

Abstract

Background: Glycolysis, a major cytosolic oxidative pathway of glucose, is intended for the supply of energy in RBC and, moreover, for the production of 2,3 Bisphsophoglycerate through the Rapaport-Lubering shunt, which delivers oxygen more readily to the tissues. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, playing a pivotal role in the inflammation process and mediating the acute phase process. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association of the inflammatory parameter, serum IL-6, and glycolytic metabolism in the erythrocytes of sickle cell disease patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a cohort of patients (90 sickle cell disease patients and 60 healthy age-matched controls) followed at the General Medicine Department of MGM Medical College, Indore. Glucose uptake, Hexokinase-2, pyruvate, lactate and 2,3 Bisphosphoglycerate levels were estimated in the RBC by relevant chemical kit methods on an autoanalyzer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Serum IL-6 is estimated through the ELISA kit method. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Student′s unpaired "t" test and Pearson′s correlation test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All glycolytic parameters were elevated along with IL-6 in sickle cell disease when compared with controls. A positive correlation was observed between the IL-6 level and glucose uptake (r = 0.345, P < 0.001), pyruvate (r = 0.512, P < 0.001) and lactate of RBC. Conclusion: This study shows that increased levels of plasma IL-6 might enhance the rate of glycolysis in RBC through the STAT3 pathway in sickle cell disease patients.

Keywords

• Cytokines
• glycolysis
• inflammation
• Rapaport-Lubering shunt
• sickle cell disease