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Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
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Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay

Published on: March 1, 2011

Interleukin-1beta is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with small infarcts

Y Sun1, C-J Lu, C-H Lin

  • 1Department of Neurology, En Chu Kong Hospital, Taipei county, Taiwan.

European Journal of Neurology
|April 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Elevated interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate inflammation in acute small infarcts. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels did not significantly differ between stroke patients and controls.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are key inflammatory mediators.
  • Their role in acute small infarcts is not fully understood.
  • Animal models suggest involvement in large vessel occlusion inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate intrathecal levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 in patients with acute small infarcts.
  • To compare cytokine levels in stroke patients versus non-stroke controls.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 40 patients with acute minor stroke and 32 non-stroke controls.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-1beta and IL-6 levels were measured.
  • Age- and gender-matched analysis was performed.

Main Results:

  • Mean intrathecal IL-1beta levels were significantly higher in stroke patients (0.80 pg/ml) than controls (0.59 pg/ml) (P < 0.0001).
  • Mean CSF IL-6 levels showed no significant difference between stroke patients (21.54 pg/ml) and controls (7.52 pg/ml) (P = 0.38).
  • Findings were consistent with and without matched analysis.

Conclusions:

  • The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta is elevated in the CSF during the acute stage of small infarcts.
  • IL-6 levels do not appear to be significantly altered in this condition.
  • IL-1beta may play a role in the inflammatory response to acute small strokes.
Abstract

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