Changes in IL-6 and IL-37 levels before and after sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized as a cluster of metabolic disorders, with key components including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and hypertension.Interleukins (ILs) are crucial cytokines secreted by the immune system, playing a significant role in inflammation and immune regulation.IL-37, a member of the IL-1 family (IL-1F7), is an anti-inflammatory cytokine.However, research investigating the role of IL-37 in the pathogenesis of MetS remains limited.This study aimed to evaluate plasma IL-6 and IL-37 levels in patients with MetS. Materials and Methods:A total of 80 participants (33 males, 47 females) were included in the study.Venous blood samples obtained from individuals diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) (Group II, n=40) and healthy volunteers (Group I, n=40) were used for the analysis of plasma lipids, IL-6, and IL-37 levels.Among the MetS group, 20 patients underwent laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) due to obesity.The total cholesterol, HbA1c, IL-6, and IL-37 levels in plasma samples collected before (Pre-SG) and after (Post-SG) the operation were compared.Plasma IL-6 and IL-37 levels were measured using a commercially available solid-phase competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Plasma IL-37 levels were significantly lower in Group II compared to Group I, whereas IL-6 levels were significantly higher (IL-6: Group I: 0.820.41;Group II: 2.060.5;p<0.001;IL-37: Group I: 1.470.51;Group II: 0.670.27;p<0.001).Preoperative IL-37 levels were lower compared to postoperative levels following SG, while IL-6 levels exhibited the opposite trend. Conclusion:IL-37 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for preventing and slowing the progression of MetS.However, larger-scale, multidisciplinary studies with additional parameters are necessary to further validate these findings.