Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 serum levels and their correlation with laboratory parameters in patients with imported Malaria

Abstract

In malaria, blood concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6, are increased. In a study which included 34 patients, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were examined in two phases, immediately after the admission of patients, and at the end of antimalarial therapy, when the parasitemia was negative. The results show a significant increase of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the first phase, before the effects of antimalarial therapy. A very strong correlation between TNF-alpha and IL-6 is also confirmed, which suggests their coordinated production. Increased TNF-alpha values were correlated with an older age, the level of parasitemia, the number of platelets and leukocytes, elevated values of procalcitonin, D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase, and lower values of serum iron and antithrombin. Increased values of IL-6 were correlated with the level of parasitemia, the number of platelets and leukocytes, and elevated values of D-dimer and lactates.