The role of neutrophils and interleukin-8 in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the crucial role of interleukin 8 (IL-8) as an inflammatory marker in infarct evolution, and course of the disease.

METHODS: The study included 76 patients that were admitted to Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey between September 2001 and June 2002 with an initial diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, and 28 control subjects with a corresponding mean age. The serum IL-8 levels obtained within 24 hours of the stroke were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay method. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the extent, and localization of the ischemic lesions. Prognosis was evaluated by modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS: In comparison between patients and control groups, there was a statistically significant difference in (p<0.001) IL-8, and neutrophil (net) levels (p=0.000). The serum IL-8 levels were associated with the extent of the lesion (p<0.01). Though the serum IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the dependent group (p<0.05), there was no significant difference between net levels, and prognosis (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference according to age, gender, and etiology between IL-8 and net levels.

CONCLUSION: The high serum IL-8 levels are associated with prognosis. The development of new neuroprotective treatments aimed to prevent neutrophil-mediated-inflammation induced by IL-8 is critical in the treatment of stroke, and prevention of clinical worsening.