Cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid of children with West syndrome

Abstract

In this study we aimed to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-b), interleukin (IL) 1-beta (IL-1b), IL-5, IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-g ) in CSF from children during the onset of West syndrome (WS). We observed elevated levels of IL-1b and IFN-g correlated to clinical, EEG, therapeutic response, and follow-up suggesting the involvement of immune response in WS. These results suggest that inflammatory and immunologic mediators may play a role in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of infantile spasms. Our findings may explain the perfusion and cognitive disfunctions and actions of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) observed in WS. In conclusion, WS results from association of neurophysiological mechanisms and structural abnormalities with participation of cytokines mainly in symptomatic group.

Comparison of the serum cytokine levels before and after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy in patients with infantile spasm

“…However, no statistically significant difference was observed between IL-2 levels. Sousa et al showed an increase in IL-1b and IFN-g levels by investigating IL-1b, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-b and IFN-g levels in CSF specimens from four patients with infantile spasm, three symptomatic and one from the cryptogenic group, aged 4-12 months [15]. Liu et al reported significantly higher IL-2 and TNF-alpha levels in patients with West syndrome compared to a healthy control group.…”