Abstract:
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition resulting from the body's overwhelming response to infection, poses a significant challenge in healthcare due to its rapid onset and diverse clinical manifestations. Early detection and monitoring of sepsis are critical for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. Cytokines, small signalling proteins involved in immune responses, play a pivotal role in the complex pathophysiology of sepsis. Cytokines possess a significant trait wherein they exhibit both synergistic and antagonistic actions, rendering them valuable biomarkers. Of these cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is pivotal in the body's defense against infections and tissue injury, while Interleukin-10 (IL-10) crucially prevents excessive immune cell activation, thereby aiding in immune homeostasis maintenance. Hence these immune molecules, IL-6 and IL-10 have emerged as key biomarkers with the potential to aid in the early identification of infections in sepsis and monitoring its progression. This article reviews the roles and association between pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 which are crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and resolving the infection without causing excessive tissue damage. Dysregulation of this balance, as seen in sepsis, can lead to harmful inflammatory responses and organ dysfunction. Monitoring the levels of these cytokines can provide valuable information for diagnosing and managing sepsis. Further, the specific roles of IL-6 and IL-10, shed light on their utility as valuable biomarkers in the clinical landscape of sepsis, aiming to enhance our understanding of their implications for early diagnosis and effective management.