INTERLEUKIN-6 RELEASE FROM T98G HUMAN GLIAL CELL LINE AS A PREDICTIVE MARKER FOR CHRONIC PAIN, AND THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBSTANCE(S) INVOLVED IN PAIN

Abstract

This work focuses on pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a cell culture system as a potential marker for chronic pain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and osteroarthritic patients was used to trigger T98G cell cultures. Interleukin (IL-6) release in chronic pain patient groups was significantly higher than that of pain-free controls, and in the patient groups whose treatment was ineffective. CSF samples collected pre-treatment also triggered higher IL-6 than post-treatment samples.

Secondly, fractions in chronic pain patients¿ CSF that triggered IL-6 release in T98G cells were isolated. They would be subjected to future mass spectrometry analysis to identify protein-like substances in CSF which could be potential chronic pain markers. Lastly, western blot analysis to elucidate the IL-6 signaling pathway showed NF-¿B acting upstream of IL-6.

This in vitro assay system quantifying chronic pain and the understanding of the complex mechanisms could contribute to the future management of unrelenting pain.