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Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis
K Shimoda1, S Okamura, F Omori
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis was measured by our modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for G-CSF. The minimal detection level was 20 pg/mL G-CSF. In patients with bacterial meningitis, the G-CSF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were extremely elevated, showing a mean value of approximately 1,500 pg/mL. On the other hand, G-CSF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid from 67% patients with aseptic meningitis were moderately increased, showing a mean value of about 80 pg/mL, whereas G-CSF levels in 33% samples remained undetectable. The G-CSF levels and neutrophil counts in the cerebrospinal fluid were proven to be related by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis (r = .724). These elevations of G-CSF levels at inflammation sites associated with bacterial meningitis may indicate that G-CSF plays an important role in the combat of bacterial infections.
Insights
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is significantly elevated in cerebrospinal fluid during bacterial meningitis, aiding in infection response. Levels are lower in aseptic meningitis, indicating G-CSF
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Meningitis involves inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a key cytokine in neutrophil regulation and immune response.
- Accurate differentiation between bacterial and aseptic meningitis is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify G-CSF levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of meningitis patients.
- To investigate the correlation between G-CSF levels and neutrophil counts in CSF.
- To assess the potential role of G-CSF in distinguishing bacterial from aseptic meningitis.
Main Methods:
- A modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to measure G-CSF concentrations in CSF samples.
- CSF samples were collected from patients diagnosed with meningitis.
- Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between G-CSF levels and CSF neutrophil counts.
Main Results:
- CSF G-CSF levels were markedly elevated (mean ~1,500 pg/mL) in bacterial meningitis patients.
- Moderate G-CSF elevations (mean ~80 pg/mL) were observed in 67% of aseptic meningitis cases, with 33% undetectable.
- A strong positive correlation (r = .724) was found between CSF G-CSF levels and CSF neutrophil counts.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CSF G-CSF levels are strongly associated with bacterial meningitis.
- G-CSF may serve as a valuable biomarker for differentiating bacterial meningitis from aseptic forms.
- G-CSF likely plays a significant role in the host defense against bacterial meningitis.