Among serum IL-6, PCT, presepsin, and CRP levels, serum IL-6 levels had the highest diagnostic value for infection. They were also significant predictors of 28-day mortality. Hence, they may improve diagnosis of infection and prediction of 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with organ dysfunction.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly hepatotoxic heavy metal, which is widely dispersed in the environment. Acute Cd hepatotoxicity has been well studied in experimental animals; however, effects of prolonged exposure to Cd doses on the liver remain unclear. In the present study, to evaluate chronic Cd hepatotoxicity, we examined specimens from cases of itai-itai disease, the most severe form of chronic Cd poisoning. We compared 89 cases of itai-itai disease with 27 control cases to assess Cd concentration in organs. We also examined 80 cases of itai-itai disease and 70 control cases for histopathological evaluation. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry for metallothionein, which binds and detoxifies Cd. Hepatic Cd concentration was higher than Cd concentration in all other organs measured in the itai-itai disease group, whereas it was second highest following renal concentration in the control group. In the liver in the itai-itai disease group, fibrosis was observed at a significantly higher rate than that in the control group. Metallothionein expression was significantly higher in the itai-itai disease group than that in the control group. Prolonged exposure to low doses of Cd leads to high hepatic accumulation, which can then cause fibrosis; however, it also causes high expression of metallothionein, which is thought to reduce Cd hepatotoxicity.

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Background: Predicting multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) in the late phase of critical illnesses is essential. Cytokines are considered biomarkers that can predict clinical outcomes; however, their predictive value for late-phase MOD is unknown. This study aimed to identify the biomarker with the highest predictive value for late-phase MOD. Methods: This observational study prospectively evaluated data on adult patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, those who presented to the emergency department or were admitted to intensive care units in five tertiary hospitals (n ¼ 174). Seven blood biomarkers levels (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-8, IL-10, tumor-necrosis factor-a, white blood cells, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) were measured at three timepoints (days 0, 1, and 2). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was analyzed to evaluate predictive values for MOD (primary outcome, MOD on day 7 [late-phase]; secondary outcome, MOD on day 3 [early-phase]). Results: Of the measured 7 biomarkers, blood IL-6 levels on day 2 had the highest predictive value for MOD on day 7 using single timepoint data (AUC 0.825, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.754-0.879). Using three timepoint biomarkers, blood IL-6 levels had the highest predictive value of MOD on day 7 (AUC 0.838, 95% CI 0.768-0.890). Blood IL-6 levels using three timepoint biomarkers had also the highest predictive value for MOD on day 3 (AUC 0.836, 95% CI 0.766-0.888). Conclusion: Of the measured biomarkers, blood IL-6 levels had the highest predictive value for MOD on days 3 and 7. Blood IL-6 levels predict early-and late-phase MOD in critically ill patients.