Analysis of cytokine concentrations in patients with acute brucellosis in the assessment of systemic inflammation

Abstract

Introduction. The problem of brucellosis at the present stage necessitates studying pathophysiological features of this infection, including the assessment of the role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in its pathogenesis. The aim of the study was a pathophysiological assessment of the development of systemic inflammation in acute brucellosis based on cytokine concentrations in the blood serum. Methods. The study object was patients with acute brucellosis (n=22) admitted to the infectious diseases hospital. The study material was the blood serum from patients with acute brucellosis. Concentrations of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1β, and TNF-α) were measured with a BIO-PLEX 200 multiplex analyzer using a Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine 17-plex kit. Results. Increased concentrations of interleukins (IL-1β, 1.43±0.55 pg/ml; IL-5, 58.03±6.27 pg/ml; IL-7, 18.58±6.75 pg/ml; IL-10, 5.63±0.97 pg/ml; IL-12p70, 27.7±4.26 pg/ml (p≤0.05)) were noted in the acute phase of the disease, as well as an increase in the concentration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G -CSF), 11.7±3.27 pg/ml, vs. reference values (p≤0.05). The results of the study indicated an increased secretion of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and IL-12p70, that promote the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, and blood lymphocytes and the ensuing increase in G-CSF synthesis. These cytokines are crucial in initiating the cell-mediated immune response during brucellosis infection. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 produced by T-helper type 2 (Th2) cells stimulates the secretion of immunoglobulin IgE being a key regulator of the reagin-mediated immune response in the pathogenesis of brucellosis. The increased production of the IL-5 and IL-7 markers is associated with the activation of the adaptive immune response in brucellosis aimed at the protection against the intracellular pathogen. Conclusion. Brucellosis infection is associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory components of the cytokine system. This study showed that the most diagnostically significant markers in the pathogenesis of the disease are IL-1β, IL-12p70, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).