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Leucocyte response and anti-inflammatory cytokines in community acquired pneumonia
U K Kolling1, F Hansen, J Braun
1Department of Medicine II, Medizinische Universität Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany.
Background:
In the host defence of the lung neutrophils (PMN) play a central role. Apart from antimicrobial properties, recent data indicate that PMN also exert anti-inflammatory effects by stimulation and release of cytokine antagonists such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra).
Methods:
Cytokine release from lipopolysaccharide stimulated whole blood was studied in 18 patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and severe co-morbidities at admission and after 24 hours. Release of IL-1ra, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), soluble TNF receptor type I (sTNF-RI), and IL-8 was determined by ELISA.
Results:
The mean (SD) leucocyte level at admission was 12.5 (4.1)/nl. There was a significant correlation between the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ra and sTNF-RI and the leucocyte count at admission and after 24 hours. Additional in vitro experiments showed that co-incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with autologous PMN led to a marked dose dependent increase in IL-1ra and sTNF-RI release.
Conclusion:
These results indicate that PMN may be responsible for the increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines in CAP. Strategies to increase neutrophil counts may exert beneficial effects, not only by augmenting the antimicrobial activity but also by modulating the inflammatory cytokine response.
Insights
Neutrophils (PMN) in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) significantly increase anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ra and sTNF-RI. Boosting neutrophil counts may improve both antimicrobial defense and inflammatory response modulation in CAP patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Host Defense Mechanisms
Background:
- Neutrophils (PMN) are crucial in lung host defense.
- PMN exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by releasing cytokine antagonists, such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neutrophils in modulating cytokine release in community acquired pneumonia (CAP).
- To determine the correlation between neutrophil counts and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in CAP patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied cytokine release in whole blood from 18 CAP patients with severe comorbidities.
- Measured IL-1ra, IL-1beta, TNFalpha, sTNF-RI, and IL-8 using ELISA.
- Conducted in vitro experiments co-incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with autologous PMN.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between leucocyte count and the release of IL-1ra and sTNF-RI.
- In vitro, PMN co-incubation led to a dose-dependent increase in IL-1ra and sTNF-RI release.
- Leukocyte levels in CAP patients were 12.5 (4.1)/nl at admission.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophils (PMN) likely contribute to the elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines observed in CAP.
- Increasing neutrophil counts may offer therapeutic benefits by enhancing antimicrobial activity and modulating inflammation.