The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Introduction: Inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), play a significant role in influencing stroke outcomes, particularly in the progression of post-stroke disability. While numerous studies have suggested a correlation between elevated l...

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Main Authors: Ciprian-Ionuț Băcilă, Maria-Gabriela Vlădoiu, Mădălina Văleanu, Doru-Florian-Cornel Moga, Pia-Manuela Pumnea
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/47
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author Ciprian-Ionuț Băcilă
Maria-Gabriela Vlădoiu
Mădălina Văleanu
Doru-Florian-Cornel Moga
Pia-Manuela Pumnea
author_facet Ciprian-Ionuț Băcilă
Maria-Gabriela Vlădoiu
Mădălina Văleanu
Doru-Florian-Cornel Moga
Pia-Manuela Pumnea
author_sort Ciprian-Ionuț Băcilă
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), play a significant role in influencing stroke outcomes, particularly in the progression of post-stroke disability. While numerous studies have suggested a correlation between elevated levels of these cytokines and poor functional recovery, further investigation is needed to understand their prognostic value in acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 56 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, evaluating IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels on days 1 and 7 post symptom onset. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcomes were measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the association between biomarker levels and stroke severity and recovery. Results: Our study demonstrated that elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha on both days 1 and 7 were significantly correlated with greater stroke severity and poorer functional outcomes, as indicated by higher NIHSS and mRS scores. These findings are consistent with broader research indicating strong associations between inflammatory cytokines and post-stroke disability, further reinforcing their relevance as prognostic indicators. Conclusions: IL-6 and TNF-alpha are promising biomarkers for predicting stroke severity and functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke. Monitoring these cytokines in the early stages of stroke could aid in identifying patients at higher risk for long-term disability, potentially guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. Further research into anti-inflammatory therapies targeting these cytokines may improve stroke rehabilitation and outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-a4148d8a47c04545842063c41feb51b72025-01-24T13:38:34ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-01-011514710.3390/life15010047The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke PatientsCiprian-Ionuț Băcilă0Maria-Gabriela Vlădoiu1Mădălina Văleanu2Doru-Florian-Cornel Moga3Pia-Manuela Pumnea4Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Izvorului Street, 550169 Sibiu, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Izvorului Street, 550169 Sibiu, RomaniaDepartment of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Victor Babeş Street, No. 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Izvorului Street, 550169 Sibiu, RomaniaFaculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Izvorului Street, 550169 Sibiu, RomaniaIntroduction: Inflammatory biomarkers, including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), play a significant role in influencing stroke outcomes, particularly in the progression of post-stroke disability. While numerous studies have suggested a correlation between elevated levels of these cytokines and poor functional recovery, further investigation is needed to understand their prognostic value in acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 56 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke, evaluating IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels on days 1 and 7 post symptom onset. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcomes were measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the association between biomarker levels and stroke severity and recovery. Results: Our study demonstrated that elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha on both days 1 and 7 were significantly correlated with greater stroke severity and poorer functional outcomes, as indicated by higher NIHSS and mRS scores. These findings are consistent with broader research indicating strong associations between inflammatory cytokines and post-stroke disability, further reinforcing their relevance as prognostic indicators. Conclusions: IL-6 and TNF-alpha are promising biomarkers for predicting stroke severity and functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke. Monitoring these cytokines in the early stages of stroke could aid in identifying patients at higher risk for long-term disability, potentially guiding personalized therapeutic strategies. Further research into anti-inflammatory therapies targeting these cytokines may improve stroke rehabilitation and outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/47strokeinflammationbiomarkersdisabilityrehabilitation
spellingShingle Ciprian-Ionuț Băcilă
Maria-Gabriela Vlădoiu
Mădălina Văleanu
Doru-Florian-Cornel Moga
Pia-Manuela Pumnea
The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Life
stroke
inflammation
biomarkers
disability
rehabilitation
title The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
title_full The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
title_fullStr The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
title_full_unstemmed The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
title_short The Role of IL-6 and TNF-Alpha Biomarkers in Predicting Disability Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
title_sort role of il 6 and tnf alpha biomarkers in predicting disability outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients
topic stroke
inflammation
biomarkers
disability
rehabilitation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/47
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