Can elevated levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) contribute to the development or exacerbation of peripheral neuropathy?

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Last updated: February 9, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Elevated Levels of IL-1β and IL-18

  • Elevated levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) have been associated with various inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Studies have shown that IL-1β and IL-18 play a crucial role in mediating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) 2, 5

Contribution to Peripheral Neuropathy

  • Research suggests that IL-1β can contribute to the development or exacerbation of peripheral neuropathy, particularly in the context of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) 3, 4
  • The preventive effect of IL-1β antagonist on DPN has been demonstrated in animal models, highlighting the potential role of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy 4
  • Additionally, IL-18 has been shown to induce expression and release of cytokines from murine glial cells, interacting with IL-1β to contribute to inflammatory responses in the brain 5

Mechanisms of Action

  • IL-1β has been found to exert actions on sensory neurons at attomolar concentrations, leading to increased excitability and decreased function of putative KCa1.1 channels 3
  • The interaction between IL-18 and IL-1β has been demonstrated to contribute to inflammatory responses in the brain, with IL-18 priming microglia for IL-1β release 5

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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