Cocaine abuse and effects in the serum levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-10

• There was a significant increase in Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the cocaine users.
• There was a significant decrease in IL-10 levels in the cocaine users.
• There was a significant difference in IL-6/IL-10 ratio between groups.
• Cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of cocaine use.

BackgroundCocaine abuse is capable of activating the innate immune system in the CNS resulting in deregulation of homeostasis between pro and antiinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of pro and antiinflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-10 respectively, in cocaine users from a young population-based sample.MethodsThis is a case–control study nested in a cross-sectional population-based survey, with individuals of 18 and 35 years old. Two groups were selected: 24 healthy controls and 12 subjects who reported cocaine use. Serum IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA using a commercial kit.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in IL-6 (p = 0.037) and decrease in IL-10 (p = 0.007) serum levels, between cocaine users and the control group. There was also an increase in the ratio IL-6/IL-10 (p = 0.013) among cocaine users individuals, when compared to the control group.ConclusionsOur results suggest that cocaine users showed an activation of the immune system when compared a control group, demonstrating a disruption in the balance of pro and antiinflammatory cytokines. Thus, peripheral cytokines may represent a putative biomarkers for cocaine users, contributing to the development of diagnosis and effective treatments.