Dynamics of the Interleukin-10 Family of Cytokines in Chronic Otitis Media Patients upon 1,8-Cineol Treatment

Background/Aim: The monoterpene 1,8-Cineol is a natural plant-based anti-inflammatory agent that is used to treat different respiratory diseases with regard to its mucolytic and anti-microbial properties. 1,8-Cineol has recently been shown to support the natural microbial colonization of the middle ear, the intestinal bacterial community, as well as the clinical inflammatory situation of patients with chronic otitis media (COM). The aim of this study was to understand better the influence of 1,8-Cineol treatment on the systemic balances of inflammatory mediators of the interleukin-10 (IL-10) family of cytokines. Patients and Methods: Plasma concentrations of cytokines IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, Il-22, IL-24 and IL-26 were analyzed in patients with COM with regard to 1,8-Cineol (CNL-1976®) treatment using ELISA measurements. Results: Data revealed significantly increased concentrations of cytokines IL-19 and IL-26 in plasma samples from patients with COM compared to healthy donors as well as a significant positive correlation between IL-10 and IL-19. Of note, patients with COM revealed significantly reduced plasma levels of IL-26 in response to 14 days of 1,8-Cineol administration. Conclusion: 1,8-Cineol treatment actively modulates the systemic inflammatory environment in patients with chronic otitis media. By resetting disrupted cytokine balances, this plant-based agent offers a promising, target-specific therapeutic strategy for managing persistent middle ear inflammation and potentially mitigating associated systemic comorbidities.