Ratio of IL-8 in CSF versus Serum Is Elevated in Patients with Unruptured Brain Aneurysm

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Limited data exists on interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in human aneurysms.
• Chemokines play a role in inflammatory processes relevant to vascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA).
• To compare chemokine levels in UIA patients against a control group.
• To explore the relationship between IL-8 levels and aneurysm characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-8 and MCP-1.
• CSF and serum samples were collected from UIA patients (n=25) and controls (n=20).
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and assess correlations.

Main Results:

• CSF IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in UIA patients compared to serum levels (p < 0.001), indicating potential local synthesis in the central nervous system.
• CSF IL-8 concentration correlated significantly with aneurysm size, suggesting involvement in aneurysm formation and progression.
• The IL-8 Quotient (CSF IL-8/serum IL-8) was significantly higher in UIA patients than controls (p = 0.045).

Conclusions:

• Elevated CSF IL-8 in UIA patients suggests local production within the CNS and a potential role in aneurysm pathogenesis.
• While the IL-8 Quotient shows statistical differences, its diagnostic utility for brain aneurysms requires further investigation.
• Future studies are warranted to fully elucidate the role of IL-8 in intracranial aneurysms.