Can elevated levels of all interleukin (IL) markers cause neurological issues resulting in numerous organ dysfunctions?

From the Guidelines

Elevated levels of all interleukin (IL) markers can indeed contribute to neurological issues, potentially resulting in numerous organ dysfunctions, as supported by recent evidence from 2023 1.

Key Points to Consider

• Interleukins are inflammatory signaling proteins that, when chronically elevated, can lead to systemic inflammation affecting the central nervous system.
• This neuroinflammation may disrupt normal brain function, potentially causing cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction that affects organ systems throughout the body.
• The specific effects depend on which interleukins are elevated and for how long.
• Conditions like autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, and certain cancers can cause persistently high interleukin levels.
• Management typically focuses on treating the underlying cause rather than the interleukins directly, though anti-inflammatory medications may help in some cases.
• If experiencing neurological symptoms with evidence of elevated interleukins, a comprehensive evaluation by both a neurologist and immunologist would be appropriate to identify the root cause and develop a targeted treatment plan.

Evidence from Recent Studies

The most recent study from 2023 1 highlights the association between pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β, and cognitive impairment after cancer treatment. This suggests a link between elevated interleukin levels and neurological issues. Furthermore, the 2022 guidelines from the EULAR/American College of Rheumatology 1 emphasize the importance of monitoring disease activity and systemic inflammation in patients with interleukin-1 mediated autoinflammatory diseases, which can affect multiple organ systems.

Clinical Implications

Given the potential for elevated interleukin levels to contribute to neurological issues and organ dysfunctions, it is crucial to:

• Monitor patients with conditions that may lead to chronically elevated interleukin levels.
• Use anti-inflammatory medications judiciously, considering the potential benefits and risks.
• Develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of elevated interleukin levels, rather than just the symptoms.
• Collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and immunologists, to ensure a thorough evaluation and targeted treatment approach.

From the Research

Elevated Interleukin (IL) Markers and Neurological Issues

• Elevated levels of various interleukin (IL) markers, including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10, have been associated with cytokine storm syndromes, which can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and neurological issues 2, 3.
• Cytokine storms, characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and even mortality 2, 3.
• IL-6, in particular, has been identified as a key player in the cytokine network, with its overproduction and dysregulation contributing to inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, as well as cancer development 4, 5.

Organ Dysfunctions and IL Markers

• Elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-10 have been found to be predictive of disease severity in COVID-19 patients, with higher levels associated with more severe disease development and multiple organ dysfunction 3.
• The interaction between IL-6 and its receptor complex can lead to various forms of signaling, making it challenging to effectively block its effects clinically 4, 5.
• Therapeutic agents targeting IL-6, such as tocilizumab and siltuximab, have been developed and approved for use in humans, highlighting the importance of IL-6 in the cytokine network 4, 5.

Neurological Issues and IL Markers

• While the provided studies do not directly address the relationship between elevated IL markers and neurological issues, they suggest that cytokine storms, which involve the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, can lead to multiple organ dysfunction, including neurological issues 2, 3, 6.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between elevated IL markers and neurological issues, as well as the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting IL-6 and other cytokines to mitigate these effects 4, 2, 5, 3, 6.