Cytokine and chemokine profile for objective patient selection in tonsillectomy

Introduction The indication for tonsillectomy based on the frequency of bacterial tonsillitis in the past 12 months is prone to error. Various cytokines and chemokines as well as the Danger Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP) S100A8 and S100A9 are involved in inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to investigate whether elevated cytokine or chemokine levels are suitable biomarkers for the indication of tonsillectomy.

Methods Salivary and serum samples were obtained preoperatively from healthy subjects (n = 15) and from patients undergoing tonsillectomy due to recurrent acute tonsillitis (n = 71). S100A8/A9 levels were determined by ELISA. Cytokine and chemokine determinations were performed by bead-based immunoassays (LEGENDplex, Human Inflammation Panel 1). Receiver-Operating-Characteristic Curve (ROC) analyzes were used to analyze the potential of the substances as possible biomarkers for the indication of tonsillectomy.

Results Increased levels of interleukin (IL) -1β, IL-6, IL-33 and TNFα were found in saliva of patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis. In addition, increased serum levels of interleukin-18 and S100A8/A9 were observed in those patients. ROC analysis identified IL-1ß, IL-18 and S100A8/A9 as potential biomarkers.

Conclusion IL-1ß in saliva, IL-18 and S100A8/A9 in serum seem to be promising biomarkers for the identification of patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

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Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020