Interleukin-1 β | Laboratory research

General Information

Interleukins are cytokines that are synthesized by various types of cells. Their main features are:

• Cytokines are proteins produced in response to pathogens and various antigens that regulate inflammatory and immune responses.
• The production of interleukins is a self-limiting process
• Interleukins also have additional functions. For example, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 are B-cell growth factors and ensure their differentiation.
• Some interleukins affect the synthesis of other interleukins, eg IL-1 induces lymphocyte activation and release of IL-2.

Interleukins are involved in immune cell activation, proliferation and differentiation, as well as migration and adhesion.

Interleukins have pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Interleukins consist of a large group of proteins that can cause various reactions by attaching to the surface of tissues and cells. They have both paracrine and autocrine properties.

The main function of interleukin 1 is the implementation of the inflammatory and immune response of the body, based on such processes as the synthesis of acute phase reactants, cachexia and fever. There are three types of interleukins: IL-1α, IL-1b, and IL-1RA, which interact with 2 types of receptors: IL-1RI and IL-1RII.

The interaction of these cytokines and their receptors leads to various processes that are necessary to modulate the resulting effects:

• IL-1α and IL-1b are biologically active cytokines with similar structure and function but different mechanisms of regulation.
• IL-1RA is a natural antagonist of interleukin 1 receptors.
• IL-1α binds only to the IL-1RI receptor, while IL-1b and IL-1RA are capable of binding to both receptors.
• The IL-1RII receptor, which does not transmit transcellular signals, is the so-called "decoy" receptor. Only IL-1b and IL-1RA interleukins have the ability to bind to this receptor.
• Only the IL-1RI-receptor transmits transcellular signals. All three types of interleukin 1 have the ability to bind to it.

Interleukin 1 cytokines are synthesized in macrophages, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, osteoblasts, neutrophils, glial cells and others. Interleukin 1 synthesis is stimulated by microorganisms, various antigens, endotoxins and other cytokines.

The production of interleukin 1 during the immune reaction gives us various clinical effects, such as: fever, lethargy (sleepiness), anorexia and others, which are the result of the action of interleukins on the central nervous system.

At the level of liver processes, interleukin 1, like interleukin 6, stimulates acute phase reactants (amyloid peptide, c-reactive protein, complement). The source of amino acids necessary for the synthesis of new polypeptides is the breakdown of muscle cells by interleukin, which is manifested by myalgia - muscle pain.

Interleukin 1 stimulates both humoral and cellular immunity through activation of t lymphocytes, interleukin-2 and b lymphocytes.

Accumulation of leukocytes in the focus of local inflammation is facilitated by the enhancement of the expression of adhesion molecules by interleukins at the level of the endothelium of blood vessels.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in endothelial cells is a mechanism by which interleukin mediates vasodilation and pressure reduction in septic and cardiogenic shock.

There are data on the involvement of interleukin 1b in the process of destruction of pancreatic beta cells in both types of diabetes.

When is the survey conducted?

Determination of interleukin 1 in various biological fluids, together with other clinical and paraclinical data, helps us to detect immune disorders and monitor the results of treatment.

Patient preparation - The research is carried out on an empty stomach or after a meal.

Material for examination: Venous blood

Reference norm: < 5 picograms/ml

Interpretation of results

An increased level of the marker is observed in the following pathologies:

• Non-infectious diseases with fever
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Vasculitis associated with hepatitis C
• Alzheimer's disease
• Pulmonary tuberculosis