Serum IL-36β levels are associated with Insulin sensitivity in paediatric patients with obesity.

Although the orchestrating role of Interleukin-36 cytokines in regulating inflammation at barrier tissue sites, is well established, whether they play a significant role in the settings of metabolic health and disease, has yet to be fully established. Several recent studies have demonstrated that IL-36 cytokine expression is elevated among adult patients with obesity, and can play roles in regulating both insulin sensitivity and driving inflammation. In this report, we have extended these analyses to paediatric patients and identified an association between elevated serum levels of expression of the specific Interleukin-36 subfamily member, IL-36β, among children with obesity displaying insulin sensitivity, compared to children with obesity who are insulin resistant.

Interleukin-1 family cytokines at the crossroads of microbiome regulation in barrier health and disease.

Recent advances in understanding how the microbiome can influence both the physiology and the pathogenesis of disease in humans have highlighted the importance of gaining a deeper insight into the complexities of the host-microbial dialogue. In tandem with this progress, has been a greater understanding of the biological pathways which regulate both homeostasis and inflammation at barrier tissue sites, such as the skin and the gut. In this regard, the Interleukin-1 family of cytokines, which can be segregated into IL-1, IL-18 and IL-36 subfamilies, have emerged as important custodians of barrier health and immunity.