Evaluation of Th17 Pathway in the diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Current assessment tools of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) diagnosis are challenging. This study evaluated the possible application of assessment of interleukin (IL)-17-related cytokines and the circulatory T helper 17 cells in the diagnosis of ADPKD. Enrolling 54 ADPKD patients and 54 healthy individuals, we measured serum and urine levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, and transforming growth factor-β and the peripheral blood frequency of T helper 17 cells through flowcytometry. We computed sensitivity and specificity of each inflammatory marker as well as their different combinations using the receiver operating characteristic curve and discriminant function analysis. The mean serum and urine levels of IL-17 and IL-23 as well as urine levels of IL-6 were higher in ADPKD patients compared to the healthy controls (P <. 001). There was no significant difference in the number of T helper 17 cells between the two groups. Among different combinations of the inflammatory markers, the serum IL-17 was the best factor in the diagnosis of ADPKD with a sensitivity as well as specificity of 100%. It is likely that T helper 17 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ADPKD; therefore, it may be beneficial if such a pathway be considered in its diagnosis.