Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 serum levels and their correlation with laboratory parameters in patients with imported malaria

• Main Authors: Poluga Jasmina, Dopsaj Violeta, Veljković Milena, Maksić N., Stojaković Sonja, Dunjić Radica, Dakić Zorica, Pavlović Milorad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad 2012-01-01
• Series: Archives of Biological Sciences
• Subjects: Malaria; cytokines; TNF-α; IL-6; parasitemia
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0354-4664/2012/0354-46641204577P.pdf

In malaria, blood concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6, are increased. In a study which included 34 patients, TNF-α and IL-6 were examined in two phases, immediately after the admission of patients, and at the end of antimalarial therapy, when the parasitemia was negative. The results show a significant increase of TNF-α and IL-6 in the first phase, before the effects of antimalarial therapy. A very strong correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 is also confirmed, which suggests their coordinated production. Increased TNF-α values were correlated with an older age, the level of parasitemia, the number of platelets and leukocytes, elevated values of procalcitonin, D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenasе, and lower values of serum iron and antithrombin. Increased values of IL-6 were correlated with the level of parasitemia, the number of platelets and leukocytes, and elevated values of D-dimer and lactates.