Myokines in alcoholic myopathy

Abstract

Objective Interleukin (IL)-15 is highly expressed in skeletal muscles, where it exerts anabolic effects, increase protein content in muscle fibres and promotes muscle growth. Alcoholics frequently suffer myopathy. Therefore, we analyse the level of IL-15 [and other myokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] in alcoholics. Follow-up of skeletal muscle cytokines (myokines) such as IL-15 and TNF-α level in alcoholism, in an attempt to reveal if a certain level of myokines can be considered as a risk factor for short-term motility. Methods IL-15 and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay analytic techniques in blood samples of 70 chronic alcoholics and 70 age- and sex-matched controls, and then the levels of myokines were correlated with liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamate transferase (GGT), amount of ethanol consumed, duration and creatine kinase (CK) activity levels. Results All the alcoholic patients were heavy drinkers (217.04 ± 149.93 g/day), who started at an early age (13.97 ± 8.96 years). IL-15, TNF-α levels and liver enzyme activity were significantly higher in these patients than in controls. Significant relationship was found between IL-15, quantity of ethanol consumption, TNF-α, CK, AST/ALT and between TNF-α and daily ethanol consumption (quantity) and GGT. Conclusion A certain level of myokines such as IL-15 and TNF-α can be considered as a risk factor of alcoholics for short-term motility.

Keywords

• IL-15, TNF-α, alcoholic myopathy, liver impairment