Cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha are commonly measured in clinical and research settings as potential biomarkers, given their central role in many physiological and pathological processes. A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.
IL-1beta: This cytokine is a key player in the inflammatory response and its levels can be elevated in conditions associated with inflammation and autoimmunity, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis.
IL-6: It plays an important role in the immune response, acute phase reactions, hematopoiesis, and bone metabolism. Increased IL-6 is associated with several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple myeloma, and Castleman's disease.
IL-8: This chemokine primarily attracts neutrophils to sites of inflammation. High levels of IL-8 have been found in various conditions such as bronchiectasis, lung cancers, and inflammatory bowel disease.
TNF-alpha: This cytokine is involved in systemic inflammation and can stimulate the acute phase reaction. Increased levels are often seen in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.