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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, TNF-alpha, IL1beta, procalcitonin, lipopolysaccharide binding protein and C-reactive
R W Watkin1, L V Harper, A B Vernallis
1Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. richard.watkin@heartofengland.nhs.uk <richard.watkin@heartofengland.nhs.uk>
Objective:
To evaluate the serum levels and diagnostic value of cytokines and acute phase proteins in patients with infective endocarditis (IE).
Patients And Methods:
Serum samples from 63 patients diagnosed with IE and 71 control patients were analysed for the following markers: interleukin-6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL1beta), procalcitonin (PCT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Results:
Serum levels of IL6, IL1beta and CRP were significantly elevated in patients with IE as compared to controls. PCT, TNF-alpha and LBP were not elevated.
Conclusion:
Serum CRP and IL6 are elevated in IE. IL 6 may aid in establishing the diagnosis. There was no correlation between IL 6 levels and CRP, causative microorganism, echocardiographic features or outcome.
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Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis I: Introduction
