ABSTRACT
To investigate the role of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin one-beta [IL1B] in the development of some endocrinal and metabolic changes that may accompany meningitis, 82 children with meningitis of different etiologies aged from 2 months to 12 years were included in this study. Lipid profile [Plasma cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein [HDL], Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL] and Triglycerides] and Hormonal assay [serum Triiodothyronin [T3], Tetraiodothyronin [T4], Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [TSH] and Cortisol] were evaluated in the morning, before any treatment was given and also two weeks later. Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid [CSF] levels of IL1B were also measured. Although thyroidal hormone levels were not altered during the infectious process, cortisol level was significantly increased in all studied groups [septic, viral and tuberculosis meningitis] then declines during convalescence. IL1B was significantly correlated with plasma cortisol level suggesting a possible role in the induction of these changes. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL were significantly increased in all studied groups compared to controls while a minimal non-significant decrease in serum HDL was elicited. Also, a positive correlation was noted between serum triglycerides and IL1B in plasma. These network of responses mediated by IL1B might explain the changes in lipid homeostasis. IL1B was detected in all CSF and plasma samples from different studied groups. It was higher in septic, tuberculosis, and aseptic groups respectively. IL1B seems to play an important role in the pathophysiological changes that accompany meningitis