Analysis of Serum Cytokines in Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an acute infectious disease of the respiratory system. Although a novel coronavirus has been identified as the causative agent of SARS, the pathogenic mechanisms of SARS are not understood. In this study, sera were collected from healthy donors, patients with SARS, patients with severe SARS, and patients with SARS in convalescence. The serum concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor growth factor beta (TGF-␤), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-␣), and gamma interferon (IFN-␥) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The concentrations of IL-1 and TNF-␣ were not significantly different in different groups. The IL-6 concentration was increased in SARS patients and was significantly elevated in severe SARS patients, but the IL-6 concentrations were similar in convalescent patients and control subjects, suggesting that there was a positive relationship between the serum IL-6 concentration and SARS severity. The concentrations of IL-8 and TGF-␤ were decreased in SARS patients and significantly reduced in severe SARS patients, but they were comparable in convalescent SARS patients and control subjects, suggesting that there was a negative relationship between the IL-8 and TGF-␤ concentrations and SARS severity. The concentrations of IFN-␥, IL-4, and IL-10 showed significant changes only in convalescent SARS patients. The IFN-␥ and IL-4 levels were decreased, while the levels of IL-10 were increased, and the differences between convalescent SARS patients and other patient groups were statistically significant. These results suggest that there are different immunoregulatory events during and after SARS and may contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

SARS: clinical presentation, transmission, pathogenesis and treatment options

“…In fact, raised levels of IL-6 and IL-8 have also been reported from SARS patients in Guangzhou [84] and Taiwan [85]. Xie et al [86] and Zhang et al [87] report raised levels of IL-8 and IL-6 respectively. Some of these studies [77,87] and others [88] have also reported raised levels of IL-10.…”

“…Xie et al [86] and Zhang et al [87] report raised levels of IL-8 and IL-6 respectively. Some of these studies [77,87] and others [88] have also reported raised levels of IL-10.…”

Studies of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Pathology in Human Cases and Animal Models

“…Research suggests that immunopathologic damage from an overexuberant host immune response, rather than uncontrolled viral replication, was the major cause of lung damage at this stage. 48,50,69,77 …”

“…16,17,47,58,66,75 Investigation of the cytokine and chemokine profiles of SARS patients has suggested that severe SARS-related lung injury might be attributed to an excessive host immune response-particularly, the deregulation of proinflammatory cytokine production. 48,50,68,77 Wild Animals and Domestic Animals in the Market…”

Coronavirus Infections in the Central Nervous System and Respiratory Tract Show Distinct Features in Hospitalized Children

“…Cytokines are widely recognized as important mediators of inflammatory response [13]. For instance, IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that induces the terminal differentiation of proliferating B cells to plasma cells, stimulates antibody secretion, and enhances T-lymphocyte responses in secondary lymphoid organs [14].…”