What is the effect of intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on elevated Interleukin (IL) levels?

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Last updated: March 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is not a recommended treatment for elevated Interleukin (IL) levels due to the lack of direct evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific purpose. The provided evidence 1 discusses the role of cytokines and chemokines in viral infections, such as SARS and MERS, and highlights the potential of treatments like tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, in managing severe cases. However, it does not mention the use of DMSO for reducing elevated IL levels.

When considering treatments for conditions involving elevated interleukin levels, such as cytokine storms associated with viral infections or autoimmune diseases, the focus is typically on therapies that directly target the inflammatory pathways, such as tocilizumab 1. Tocilizumab has been used clinically to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and has been approved for the treatment of conditions associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including those related to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy.

Given the potential risks and the lack of direct evidence supporting the use of intravenous DMSO for elevated IL levels, the most appropriate approach is to prioritize evidence-based treatments that have been proven to effectively manage such conditions, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This ensures that patients receive the most effective and safest care possible, minimizing the risk of adverse effects and optimizing outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

From the Research

Effect of Intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on Elevated Interleukin (IL) Levels

  • There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the effect of intravenous Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) on elevated Interleukin (IL) levels.
  • The provided studies focus on the role of IL-6 in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases 2, 3, 4, the discovery of small molecule IL-6 inhibitors 3, and the role of IL-17 in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases 5.
  • Additionally, one study discusses the role of IL-10 in negatively regulating inflammation 6.
  • However, none of these studies mention the use of intravenous DMSO as a treatment for elevated IL levels.

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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