K
_Kim_
Guest
November 12, 2009 Journal of Translational Medicine 2009, 7:96
Plasma cytokines in women with chronic fatigue syndrome by Mary Fletcher, Xiao Zeng, Zachary Barnes, Silvina Levis, Nancy Klimas
Plasma cytokines in women with chronic fatigue syndrome by Mary Fletcher, Xiao Zeng, Zachary Barnes, Silvina Levis, Nancy Klimas
Results: The following cytokines were elevated in CFS compared to controls: LTalpha, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-12.
The following cytokines were decreased in CFS: IL-8, IL-13 and IL-15. The following cytokines were not different: TNFalpha, IFNgamma, IL-2,IL-10, IL-23 and IL-17.
Conclusions: Cytokine abnormalities are common in CFS. In this study, 10 of 16 cytokines examined showed good to fair promise as biomarkers.
However, the cytokine changes observed are likely to more indicative of immune activation and inflammation, rather than specific for CFS. As such, they are targets for 3 therapeutic strategies.
Newer techniques allow evaluation of large panels of cytokines in a cost effective fashion.