From the Research
Inflammatory Effects of IL-1β and IL-18
- Elevated levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) are associated with inflammatory processes and have been implicated in various diseases, including atherosclerosis and systemic sclerosis 1, 2, 3.
- IL-1β and IL-18 are members of the IL-1 family and share similar structures and functions, including the induction of gene expression and synthesis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other chemokines 2, 4.
- The activity of IL-1β and IL-18 is tightly controlled by naturally occurring inhibitors, including IL-1 receptor antagonists, and an imbalance between agonist and antagonist levels can lead to exaggerated inflammatory responses 4.
Neurological Effects of IL-1β and IL-18
- IL-18 has been shown to induce expression and release of cytokines from murine glial cells, including IL-1 alpha and proIL-1 beta, and release of IL-6 from mixed glia 5.
- IL-1β and IL-18 may contribute to inflammatory responses in the brain, and their regulation and actions differ in certain aspects 5.
- However, there is limited evidence to suggest a direct link between elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-18 and specific neurological symptoms such as paresthesia of the lower extremities, bladder dysfunction, fecal incontinence, sexual anhedonia, thermoregulatory dysfunction, and balance dysfunction.
Associations with Clinical Manifestations
- Elevated serum levels of IL-1β and IL-33 have been associated with systemic sclerosis in a Chinese population, and may contribute to the development of the disease 3.
- However, no direct associations were found between serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-33 and clinical parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis 3.
- Further studies are required to validate the potential role of IL-1β and IL-18 in the development of specific clinical manifestations.