Cytokine detection in cerebrospinal fluid in central nervous system diseases in children

Cytokine activation and inflammatory process is a result of complex interaction in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system disorders (CNS). Both proinflammatory and anti--inflammatory cytokines are produced during immune response. Cytokines measurement in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be used as an additional tool in patients assessment. In the state of CNS infection, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF- levels are typically elevated. Cytokine level alterations after antibiotic therapy are not fully elucidated. Some cytokines, like IL-6, are not only an inflammatory parameter, being elevated in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. The role of TNF- is known in neurodegenerative disorders, where levels of proinflammatory factors, including TNF-, IL-1 and IL-6, are increased both in serum and in CSF. Assessment of cytokine levels in CSF may be an additional evaluation tool in the management of CNS disorders in children, especially those of inflammatory background. Therapeutic agents for specific cytokines could be a future tool in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.