Interleukin 8 - Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Interleukin-8 is often associated with inflammation. As an example, it has been cited as a proinflammatory mediator in gingivitis and psoriasis.. The fact that Interleukin-8 secretion is increased by oxidant stress, which thereby causes the recruitment of inflammatory cells induces a further increase in oxidant stress mediators, making it a key parameter in localized inflammation.

If a pregnant mother has high levels of interleukin-8, there is an increased risk of schizophrenia in her offspring. High levels of Interleukin 8 have been shown to reduce the likelihood of positive responses to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia.