Quantitative analysis of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human skin wounds

Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the mediation of inflammation and trauma. They could be useful for the determination of vitality and wound age. In the present study, 144 human skin wounds due to sharp force were investigated. The material was collected during operations (N=96) and postmortem examinations (N=48). The wound age varied from several seconds or minutes to 9 days. Control skin was available in each individual. The tissue specimens were homogenized and extracted in a solution of PBS and protease inhibitors. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured by quantitative ELISA analysis. Statistical evaluation was performed by the t-test using the quotients of levels (wound sample/control skin). In surgical specimens the cytokine levels revealed a clear tendency to increase with wound age. IL-1beta in early skin wounds (24 h, P<0.05). The quantitative analysis of proinflammatory cytokines in wound extracts can contribute to the determination of vitality and wound age, in particular in the very early post-traumatic interval (classic stab wounds).