Analysis of cytokine levels and NF-kappaB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in influenza virus-associated encephalopathy.
BACKGROUND
Influenza virus-associated encephalopathy (IE) is suggested to be a proinflammatory cytokine-related disease.


METHODS
We measured the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha, soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), IL-10, interferon-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in serum and CSF during the acute stage in 30 children with IE, 20 with influenza virus-associated febrile seizures (IFS), and 39 with influenza virus infection without complications (Flu). Moreover, the activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 5 children with IE was examined.


RESULTS
The serum IL-6, sTNFR1, and IL-10 levels in the IE group with a poor prognosis (Group A) were significantly higher than those in the IE group without sequelae in IE (Group B), IFS, and Flu. In particular, the serum levels of IL-6, sTNFR1, and IL-10 in 5 deceased patients were markedly higher. The CSF IL-6 levels in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B and IFS. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that NF-kappaB activation in PBMC in Group A was higher than that in Group B, IFS, and Flu.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that cytokines are produced by PBMC in IE, and that the levels of serum IL-6, sTNFR1, and IL-10, CSF IL-6, and NF-kappaB activation in PBMC are useful indicators of the severity of the disease.
Ichiyama
Takashi
T
Department of Pediatrics, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan. ichiyama@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
Morishima
Tsuneo
T
Isumi
Hiroshi
H
Matsufuji
Hironori
H
Matsubara
Tomoyo
T
Furukawa
Susumu
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D019040:E-Selectin / Q000097:blood; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D047888:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I / Q000097:blood
D016207:Cytokines; D019040:E-Selectin; D016328:NF-kappa B; D047888:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I