Interleukin-6 Levels In Temporal Lobe Versus Extra-Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Background: Inflammatory cytokines has been previously reported in relation to epilepsy however, the exact influence of these cytokines is still unknown. Objective: To assess if there is a possible relation between the type of epilepsy (temporal or extra temporal) to serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Methods: the clinical characteristics of epilepsy were assessed in 60 patients with TLE, and extra TLE and correlated in relation to serum levels of interleukin-6. Epilepsy was evaluated clinically and by EEG, and MRI brain. Twenty healthy subjects were included as controls. Results: Serum IL-6 level was significantly higher in patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.019) and in TLE compared with patients with extra-TLE (P=0.000). There was a significant correlation between IL-6 level and the frequency and duration of seizures. Conclusion: Serum interleukin- 6 increases in TLE than extra TLE and its levels correlates with the frequency and duration of seizures.