Increased cytokine release by leucocytes in survivors of stroke at young age

Background Enhanced stimulus-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by leucocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. Design We investigated the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in whole blood from 20 patients with a history of ischaemic stroke under the age of 50, 20 patients with a history of cervical artery dissection (CAD) and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Results Release of IL-8 was higher (P = 0.006) and release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in young stroke patients than in control subjects. No increased release existed in CAD patients. Vascular risk factors or history of infection before stroke did not modify IL-8 production. A common T(250) --> A polymorphism. in the IL-8 gene promotor was newly identified but did not correlate with the variability of IL-8 release. The C(260) --> T polymorphism in the gene of the monocytic LPS-receptor CD14 - a risk factor for myocardial infarction - was not associated with increased cytokine release. Conclusions We conclude that high inducible release of IL-8 - and possibly of TNF-alpha and IL-6 - may contribute to the odds of ischaemic stroke in young adults.