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Identifying Microglia and Peripheral Infiltrating Macrophages in the Injured Spinal Cords Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: June 24, 2025
Systemic inflammation and reduced pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury
Eric Garshick1, Kelly L Stolzmann, David R Gagnon
1Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, Medical Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA. eric.garshick@va.gov
Summary
Systemic inflammation, indicated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), is linked to reduced pulmonary function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Higher inflammation markers correlate with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to various secondary health complications.
- Pulmonary dysfunction is a significant concern for individuals with SCI, impacting their quality of life and prognosis.
- Systemic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between systemic inflammation markers and pulmonary function in individuals with chronic SCI.
- To determine if inflammation plays a role in reduced lung capacity beyond the direct effects of SCI severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 men with chronic SCI.
- Pulmonary function was assessed using forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
- Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured as indicators of systemic inflammation.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly associated with lower %-predicted FEV(1) and FVC.
- A clear inverse linear trend was observed between IL-6 levels and both FEV(1) and FVC, even after adjusting for injury characteristics and other factors.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) also showed a similar, though less pronounced, inverse relationship with pulmonary function measures.
Conclusions:
- Elevated IL-6 and CRP levels are independently associated with diminished pulmonary function (FEV(1) and FVC) in individuals with chronic SCI.
- These findings suggest that systemic inflammation contributes to pulmonary impairment following SCI, in addition to neuromuscular deficits.
- Targeting systemic inflammation may be a potential strategy to improve respiratory health in the SCI population.
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