Investigation of Il-6 in Diabetic Foot Infection

Abstract
Diabetic foot ulceration is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and 50-60% of these patients progress to diabetic foot infection (DFI). The basis of diabetic wounds and infections is peripheral vasculopathy and peripheral neuropathy caused by oxidative stress due to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The new perspectives in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases caused the development of new therapeutic agents. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its receptor system was discovered in the 1980’s. IL-6 has a pivotal role in mediating the T cell, B cell differentiation, antibody production and acute phase response. In this study we planned to evaluate this marker in patients with DFI. Methods: Thirty patients with diabetic foot infection and 30 healthy volunteer controls were included in the study. DFI lesion severity was determined using the PEDIS staging system. In addition to routine laboratory tests, IL-6 levels were measured. Results: A statistically significant decrease (p< 0.05) in IL-6 levels was observed in DFI patients. There was a correlation between PEDIS stage and IL-6 levels. There was also a correlation between CRP and PCT, which are inflammatory markers, and IL-6. Conclusions: IL-6 deficiency predisposes to the development of diabetic wounds and contributes to their progression. They may be used as markers in the future and may play an important role in helping clinicians to predict the severity of the disease.