Cytokine expression in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in non-inflammatory polyneuropathies. Issue 11 (11th June 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ludwig, J; Binder, A; Steinmann, J; Wasner, G; Baron, R
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 79:Issue 11(2008)
• Page Start: 1268
• Page End: 1274
• Publication Date: 2008-06-11
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2007.134528
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Pain is a common symptom in polyneuropathies (PNPs), although it is still not known why some PNPs are painful and others are painless. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines have been found in conditions resulting in exaggerated pain states in animal studies. Recently, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels have also been found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to induce or increase inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Methods: Using chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assays, cytokine levels in 36 patients with painful and painless non-inflammatory PNPs in serum and CSF were investigated. The severity of PNPs was measured with electroneurography (ENG). In subjects with normal results using conventional ENG, quantitative thermo-testing was performed to investigate small-nerve-fibre function. Results: Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum or CSF did not differ between patients with (n = 18) or without (n = 18) painful PNPs, whereas patients with mechanical allodynia (n = 5) had elevated serum TNF-α levels compared to those without allodynia. TNF-α and IL-6 serum levels were higher in patients with severe (n = 21) compared to those with mild neuropathy (n = 15), and showed a positive correlation with severity of neuropathy. Conclusions: Results suggest that nerve fibre degeneration and presence of mechanical allodynia in peripheral non-inflammatory neuropathy determine cytokine expression in serum.