CSF Interleukins-12, 17 and Interferon-γ Levels in Children with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis
Vikrant Dewan1, Swati Mahich1, Deepak Sachan2
1Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) & Associated Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal childhood disease. This study found elevated Interleukin-12 (IL-12) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of stage 3 SSPE patients, suggesting a potential biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, fatal neurological disease caused by a mutated measles virus.
- Primarily affecting children, SSPE leads to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the immunological markers in SSPE is crucial for potential diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of specific cytokines, including Interleukin-12 (IL-12), Interleukin-17 (IL-17), and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE).
- To explore potential correlations between these cytokine levels and the clinical stages of SSPE.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 24 confirmed SSPE cases (Dyken's criteria).
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were collected.
- Interleukin levels were quantified using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant elevation of Interleukin-12 (IL-12) was observed in the CSF of stage 3 SSPE patients (p=0.02).
- This elevation in IL-12 was noted in only two patients, representing a key limitation.
- No significant differences in IL-17 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were found in CSF or serum across different SSPE stages.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of advanced Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE).
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to validate IL-12 as a reliable biomarker for SSPE.
- Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) do not appear to be significantly altered in SSPE patients based on this study.
Abstract:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a devastating fatal condition caused by mutated measles virus. It predominantly affects children of younger age and invariably leads to mortality. Though reported rarely, the disease continues to cause significant morbidity in children. The authors conducted an observational study in which CSF was withdrawn from 24 cases of confirmed SSPE (Dyken's criteria) and interleukin levels were estimated by ELISA method. On analysis, IL-12 was significantly elevated in CSF of stage 3 SSPE patients with p value of 0.02. It was elevated in only 2 patients of stage 3 which is the major limitation of this study. No significant difference was seen in IL-17 and interferon-γ levels between different stages of SSPE in serum and CSF. This study highlights the significant elevation of IL-12 cytokine while other studied cytokines (IL-17/ IFN-γ) were not significantly altered in these patients.
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