Increased plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α in patients moderately or severely envenomed by Tityus serrulatus scorpion sting

Scorpion envenomation is a common medical problem in many countries and an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were measured in individuals stung by Tityus serrulotus (Ts) scorpions. According to clinical manifestations patients were classified, as defined by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, as having mild (n = 15, mean age = 42.2 years), moderate (it = 8, mean age = 26 years) or severe (n = 4, mean age = 14 years) envenomation. Blood samples were taken immediately (T1) and 6 h (T2) after admission to the hospital. Eighteen age-matched healthy volunteers were used as control. TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly increased in moderate and severe cases and the levels of these cytokines were positively correlated with the severity of envenomation, as evaluated by clinical profile and plasma venom concentration. IL-10 levels were increased in severe and moderate cases and reduced in mild cases. The results reported in the present study suggest that the physiopathological manifestation of Ts envenomation may be mediated, at least in part, by cytokines, and that the early treatment after scorpion sting with drugs that inhibit cytokine production, such as glucocorticoids, may have a potential beneficial effect, ameliorating the severity of the clinical manifestations observed, particularly in severe and moderate cases. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.