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Interleukin-2 gene expression in different phases of episodic cluster headache--a pilot study
A Steinberg1, C Sjöstrand, A Sominanda
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. anna.steinberg@karolinska.s
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|October 1, 2010
Summary
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene expression is significantly elevated between cluster headache attacks, suggesting a role for the immune system in this condition. Further research into cytokines and larger patient groups is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The underlying causes of cluster headache (CH) remain largely unclear.
- Immune system involvement is a suspected factor in CH pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate interleukin-2 (IL-2) as a potential biomarker for immune system activity in CH.
- To investigate the role of IL-2 in the pathophysiology of cluster headaches.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze IL-2 gene expression.
- Blood samples were collected from 8 episodic CH patients during active periods, attacks, and remission, and from 16 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher IL-2 gene expression was observed in CH patients during active periods between attacks compared to during attacks, remission, and controls.
- IL-2 levels were markedly elevated between attacks in the active phase of cluster headache.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-2 during active cluster headache periods supports the involvement of this cytokine and the immune system in CH.
- Further studies with larger cohorts and a wider range of cytokines are needed to confirm these findings.
