Interleukins in Urine and Blood as Markers of Infection and as Risk Factors for Systemic Conditions.

Interleukins are a diverse group of cytokines that play a crucial role in controlling immune responses and have potential as biomarkers. This mini review evaluates 12 recent papers linking urinary interleukins to both urinary infection and systemic diseases. While measurement of serum interleukins can indicate systemic inflammation, urinary interleukins provide more specific insights into renal or urinary tract inflammation. Urinary interleukins such as IL-8, IL-18, and IL-1β show promise for diagnosing urinary tract infections and other conditions. However, their diagnostic utility is complicated by their wide distribution in the body and patient-related factors. Advances in analytical techniques have enhanced the sensitivity and speed of interleukin measurement, improving their clinical utility. PATIENT SUMMARY: This review highlights research showing that measurement of molecules associated with the immune system in urine samples can help in diagnosing and monitoring disease affecting the urinary tract and kidneys. These urine tests can provide more specific information about infections than blood tests can.