Serum Inflammatory Cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) as Predictors of Disease Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional study
Inflammatory Cytokines in Acute Ischemic Stroke
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.03.0194Keywords:
Acute ischemic stroke, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, inflammation, NIHSS, biomarkersAbstract
Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of cerebral ischemic injury. Following arterial occlusion, several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), are released and may reflect the severity of neuronal damage.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and clinical severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Nishtar Medical University, Multan, from June 2024 to June 2025. A total of 100 patients with acute ischemic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI within 24 hours of symptom onset were included. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Patients with severe stroke had significantly higher mean serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β compared to mild and moderate stroke groups (p < 0.001). IL-6 showed the strongest positive correlation with NIHSS score (r = 0.68), followed by TNF-α (r = 0.61) and IL-1β (r = 0.55). Multivariate analysis identified IL-6 (AOR = 3.2), TNF-α (AOR = 2.8), and IL-1β (AOR = 2.3) as independent predictors of severe stroke.
Conclusion: Elevated inflammatory cytokines are significantly associated with AIS severity and may aid in early prognostic assessment.
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