IL-1 alpha

Alias: IL-1α, Interleukin-1 alpha, IL1F1, Hematopoietin-1

IL-1α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that affects T-helper cells causing the induction of IL-2 secretion and the expression of IL-2 receptors, as well as causing B cells to promote cell proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis. IL-1α is present in various biological fluids and the monitoring its levels is a valuable biomarker. Elevated serum or blood levels of IL-1α have been found in of several carcinomas such as head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer, in experimental acute pyelonephritis, in acute viral hepatitis and in septic shock. Both elevations in serum levels and joint fluids (synovial fluids) are detected in rheumatoid arthritis. Increased plasma and CSF levels are found in patients with schizophrenia. Significantly elevated concentrations in gingival cervical fluid in subjects with peridantitis are detected. Urinary levels of IL-1α correspond to disease and therapy response in bladder cancer.