Objective: The aim of this research is to analyze the relevance of serum interleukin 6 levels in the evaluation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Background: The pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases is not verified. Inflammation is considered as possibly relevant factor. It is not known whether it is a cause or consequence of neurodegeneration. Moreover in certain diseases as PSP the levels of certain microglial-derived factors as interleukin 6 were found to differ between subtypes, whereas in PD the definite significance of this parameter is not fully explored.

Method: This pilot study provided an analysis of 11 patients with PD and 18 with PSP. All the diagnoses were based on clinical evaluation. The assessment of the patients was based on the recent criteria of diagnosis. The disease duration varied between 3 and 6 years. Patient included in the study underwent a blood sample analysis with evaluation of the level of interleukin 6. Patients with comorbidities impacting the level of interleukin 6 were excluded from the study.

Results: The study showed higher levels of interleukin 6 in PSP than in PD. The differences were not found statistically significant (p= 0,674383).

Conclusion: The pilot evaluation presents an initial perspective on the significance of interleukin as a possible factor in the differentiation of PD and PSP. Though the analysis did not reveal statistical significance in the comparison, due to the methodological limitations and preliminary character of this study, extended analysis is required.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/interleukin-6-in-the-assessment-of-parkinsons-disease-and-progressive-supranuclear-palsy/