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Longitudinal plasma interleukin-6 and post-stroke cognitive outcomes: The Stroke-IMPaCT study
Natasha S Carmichael1,2,3,4, Harry R Deijnen1,2,3, Siew Yan Wong3,4
1Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Summary
Changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels after stroke are linked to long-term cognitive decline. Understanding these inflammatory marker trajectories may reveal new therapeutic targets for post-stroke cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), are linked to cognitive decline after stroke.
- The relationship between longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers and cognitive function post-stroke is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between longitudinal changes in plasma inflammatory markers, particularly IL-6, and cognitive function in stroke survivors.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for mitigating post-stroke cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Plasma IL-6 and other inflammatory markers were measured at baseline (within 96 hours of stroke), and at 6-9 and 18-21 months post-stroke.
- Cognitive assessments were performed concurrently with inflammatory marker measurements.
- Adjusted regression models were used to analyze the associations between inflammatory markers and cognitive outcomes.
Main Results:
- A doubling of IL-6 levels between admission and 6-9 months was significantly associated with cognitive impairment at 18-21 months (OR = 8.16).
- Each one-unit increase in IL-6 was linked to a 1.5-point decrease in memory Z-scores (β = -1.50).
- Smokers exhibited blunted IL-6 trajectories and downregulated Toll-like receptor signaling; lower socioeconomic status may be linked to IL-6 levels via smoking.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal trajectories of IL-6 following ischemic stroke are associated with subsequent cognitive function.
- These findings highlight IL-6 and related inflammatory pathways as potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive outcomes after stroke.
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