Description
The interleukin-1 (IL-1) species represent an important family of biologically active mono nuclear cell-derived proteins which are involved in inflammatory reactions and in immune responses. Two distinct Human IL-1 species, IL-1 and IL-1, have been identified. They share similarities such as the same molecular weight, similar biological effects and the same receptors on target cells. IL-1 proteins are produced by macrophages, monocytes and various other cell types such as adult T cell leukemias, fibroblasts, epithelial or endothelial cells, neutrophils and astrocytes. Their biological properties include pyrogenicity, bone resorption, presentation of antigen to T cells and stimulation of B and T lymphocyte proliferation. IL-1 is an extracellular peptide of 17kDa, its activity has been demonstrated in various biological fluids including serum, synovial fluid, gingival fluid, amniotic fluid, sputum, cerebrosinal fluid, urine, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Elevated serum or blood levels of IL-1 have been found in patients with total hip replacement/ arthroplasties, in patients with recently diagnosted IDDM, in case of several carcinomas such as head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer, in experimental acute pyelonephritis, in acute viral hepatitis and in septic shock. Both elevations in serum levels and joint fluids (synovial fluids) are detected in rheumatoid arthritis. IL-1 elevation is a marker for dental diseases such as pulpal inflammation and infections of the root canals. Pulmonary disorders are accompanied by plasma and BAL elevations of IL-1, e.g. cystic fibrosis, systemic sclerosis. Increased plasma and CSF levels are found in patients with schizophrenia. Blood levels of newborn with systemic infection during the neonatal period are significantly higher than in controls. High concentration of IL-1 in the cervical mucus of pregnant women are found to be involved in defense mechanism against ascending infections. Significantly elevated concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid in subjects with peridantitis are detected. Urinary levels of IL-1 correspond to disease and therapy response in bladder cancer