The role of IL-13 in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children

Background. INS pathogenesis has been still unclear. Among many factors Th2-derived IL -13 cytokine is taken into account.

Objectives. Assessment of serum and urine level of IL -13 in children with INS as a pathogenic factor and a marker of the course of the disease.

Material and methods. 51 children with INS and 18 healthy children were examined. Patients were divided into groups depending on the number of relapses of the disease, medical treatment and morphological types. The serum and urinary concentration of IL -13 were determined by ELIS A.

Results. The significant increase in IL -13 in serum and urine of patients in the acute phase of the disease, compared to healthy subjects, was shown. In remission its level was significantly reduced, but still remained higher than in the control group. Regardless of the stage of the disease, the concentration of IL -13 in the urine of patients with the first relapse of INS was significantly lower than in children with recurrent INS or requiring immunosuppressive therapy. Serum level of IL -13 was not differen between these groups. In all histopathological types of INS , IL -13 in serum and urine were similar.

Conclusions. Increased concentration of IL -13 in serum and urine of children with INS in the acute phase of the disease, and significant decrease in remission, indicate its role in the pathogenesis. Higher levels of IL -13 in the urine of patients with recurrent INS and requiring immunosuppressive therapy suggest the usefulness of this parameter as a prognostic marker. IL -13 in serum and urine does not allow one to distinguish between the morphological types of INS.