It is a complex process that is triggered by the immune system in response to injury or infection. It is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the affected area, which can cause swelling, pain, heat and redness.
The goal of inflammation It is to combat pathogens and repair damaged tissues, but chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, autism, epilepsy and Tourette syndrome, among other pathologies that cause inflammation.
There are several serological markers (found in the blood) that are used to measure inflammation in the body.
C-reactive protein (CRP): It is an inflammatory marker that is elevated in the case of acute or chronic inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6): is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of chronic inflammation.
Fibrinogen: It is a marker that is related to the acute inflammatory response, and its elevated level has been related to chronic inflammatory diseases.
Heat shock protein (HSP): It is an inflammatory marker that is elevated in case of chronic inflammation.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of chronic inflammation.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of chronic inflammation.
Interleukin-8 (IL-8): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of chronic inflammation.
Interleukin-10 (IL-10): It is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of chronic inflammation.
Some of the specific markers of brain inflammation include:
S-100B protein: it is a marker of brain damage that is elevated in case of brain inflammation.
Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH): It is a marker of brain cell damage that is elevated in the case of brain inflammation.
Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of brain inflammation.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of brain inflammation.
Interleukin-10 (IL-10): It is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of brain inflammation.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α): It is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cases of brain inflammation.
Neurotrophic cytokines: As brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are markers of brain inflammation, their level can be used to evaluate brain damage.
tau protein: It is a marker of brain inflammation, its level can be used to evaluate brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammation has also been linked to several neurological pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and autism. In particular, several studies have suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of autism.
A study published in “Brain, Behavior, and Immunity” in 2015 by author G. Ashwood et al., found elevated levels of inflammatory markers in children with autism compared to controls. Another study published in "JAMA Psychiatry" in 2017 by author D. Braunschweig and others, found a relationship between upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy and the risk of autism in the child.
What is chronic inflammation?
Chronic or permanent inflammation can affect a child's brain in several ways.
First, chronic inflammation can cause direct damage to brain cells and the tissues surrounding them. This can interfere with the brain's ability to function properly and can contribute to neurological and cognitive disorders. Second, chronic inflammation can affect normal brain development. During the first years of life, the brain is constantly developing and maturing, and chronic inflammation can disrupt this process. This can contribute to developmental disorders, such as autism, and can impact the child's ability to learn and relate to others. Additionally, studies have found that chronic inflammation is associated with alterations in brain structure and function. For example, a study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity in 2019 found that children with chronic inflammation had a higher density of glia in the brain, suggesting a chronic inflammatory response. Another study published in "Molecular Psychiatry" in 2020 found that chronic inflammation was associated with a reduction in functional connectivity in several brain regions important for social and emotional development.
What infections can cause chronic inflammation in the brain?
Virus infections: Viruses, such as meningitis virus, herpes simplex virus, and encephalitis virus, can cause inflammation in the brain and the membranes surrounding it. cover (meninges). These infections often cause neurological symptoms, such as headache, stiff neck, and seizures.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections, such as bacterial meningitis and bacterial encephalitis, can cause inflammation in the brain and meninges. These infections can be serious and can cause permanent brain damage if not treated properly.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, can cause inflammation in the brain. These infections are more common in people with weakened immune systems.
Parasitic infections: Parasitic infections, such as neurocysticercosis and toxoplasmosis, can cause inflammation in the brain. These infections are more common in people who live in areas with a high prevalence of parasites.
In summary, there are several infections that can cause chronic inflammation in a child's brain, including infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It is important to mention that these infections must be diagnosed and treated appropriately to avoid permanent brain damage.
What symptoms can brain inflammation cause in children?
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the inflammation. However, some of the common symptoms include:
Fever: Fever is a normal response of the body to an infection or inflammation.
Headache: Headache is a common symptom of brain inflammation.
Neck stiffness: Stiff neck is another common symptom of brain inflammation.
Vomiting: Vomiting is a common symptom of brain inflammation.
Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of brain inflammation.
Mood changes: Mood changes, such as irritability and depression, are common symptoms of brain inflammation.
Changes in behavior: Changes in behavior, such as hyperactivity and agitation, are common symptoms of brain inflammation.
Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite is a common symptom of brain inflammation.
Weightloss: Weight loss is a common symptom of brain inflammation.
Neurological problems: Neurological problems, such as muscle weakness, slurred speech, or paralysis, are common symptoms of brain inflammation.
What treatments are used to combat inflammation?
Treatment of chronic brain inflammation in children will depend on the origin of the inflammation. However, some of the common treatments used to combat chronic brain inflammation in children include:
Anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce inflammation in the brain. These medications are commonly used to treat inflammation associated with viral and bacterial infections.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are powerful medications that can help reduce inflammation in the brain. These medications are commonly used to treat inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and can help reduce inflammation in the brain. It is important that antibiotics are administered appropriately to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.
Antifungals: Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections and can help reduce inflammation in the brain.
Anthelmintics: Anthelmintics are medications used to treat parasitic infections and can help reduce inflammation in the brain.
Immunomodulatory therapy: These medications are used to improve immune system function and reduce inflammation.
It is important to mention that adequate treatment should be recommended by a specialist in inflammatory brain diseases. It is important to treat chronic brain inflammation in children early and appropriately to avoid permanent brain damage.
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