Cytokines and immune biomarkers in neurodegeneration and cognitive function: A systematic review among individuals of African ancestry.

BACKGROUND

Cytokines and immune markers are critical in mediating inflammation associated with neurodegenerative disease. This review analyzes the role of inflammatory cytokines and immune markers in neurodegeneration among African populations.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies examining cytokine levels in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on populations of African ancestry.

RESULTS

Cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and IL-8. IL-6 emerged as a key pro-inflammatory marker linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, showing stronger correlations in African ancestry populations compared to Caucasians. Genetic findings revealed triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 variants and Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIb rs1050501 genotypes as influential in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related inflammation, alongside a unique correlation between immunoglobulin G index inflammatory markers and AD in African ancestry populations.

DISCUSSION: The findings emphasize the crucial role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding their variations among African populations can inform targeted therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.

HIGHLIGHTS: Interleukin (IL)-6 was identified as a key pro-inflammatory marker, consistently linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and dementia, underscoring its significant role in neurodegenerative disease progression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were associated with improved cognitive performance, particularly in African American participants. Observational studies identified sex-based differences in IL-10 levels, particularly among older African American women. The review highlights notable ethnic differences in cytokines like IL-8, IL-1β, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors, emphasizing their roles in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in people of African descent. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 variants, immunoglobulin GM allotypes, and Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIb rs1050501 genotypes were found to influence AD-related inflammation and progression in African ancestry populations.