Title : The role of interleukin 6 in ischemic stroke
Abstract:
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, resulting from the sudden occlusion of a cerebral vessel and subsequent hypoxia of neural tissue. This event triggers a complex pathophysiological cascade involving excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and activation of the inflammatory response. The immune response plays a crucial role in both the progression of tissue damage and the initiation of repair mechanisms.
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the acute-phase response following ischemic stroke. Its concentration reflects immune system activation and may have prognostic and pathophysiological significance, both in neural tissue injury and in repair processes.
In the studied group of patients, significant temporal variability in IL-6 levels was observed. The highest values were recorded 24 hours after admission, indicating a peak of the inflammatory response in the early phase of stroke. Subsequently, IL-6 levels significantly decreased by day 7, reaching values close to baseline.
Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences between measurements at time points 0–1 and 1–7 days, confirming the dynamic nature of the inflammatory response. Additionally, IL-6 levels were significantly higher compared to the control group at all time points, indicating sustained inflammatory activation in post-stroke patients.
With respect to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission, higher IL-6 levels were observed in patients with more favorable outcomes, suggesting a complex, potentially biphasic role for this cytokine, not only as a mediator of injury but also as a component of the reparative response.
IL-6 demonstrates a clear temporal profile following ischemic stroke, with a peak within the first 24 hours, supporting its role in the acute inflammatory response. Persistently elevated levels relative to controls indicate prolonged immune activation. The ambiguous relationship with clinical outcomes suggests that IL-6 may exert both pro-inflammatory and potentially neuroprotective effects, warranting further investigation.
