Th1/Th2 cytokines in early peripheral blood of patients with multiple injuries and its predictive value for SIRS: A bioinformatic analysis

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the changes in helper T lymphocyte (Th)1/Th2 factor levels in peripheral blood of patients with severe multiple injuries and their prognostic value for nosocomial infection using bioinformatic analysis. The experimental group consisted of 180 patients with numerous injuries admitted to our hospital between January 2021 and June 2023, with 80 healthy volunteers serving as controls. Th1 cytokines (interleukin-2 and interferon-γ) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were evaluated 48 hours after admission using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The experimental group was separated into two groups: those with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and those without SIRS, for cytokine analysis and SIRS incidence. Furthermore, the study examined Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in trauma patients in various body locations within the experimental group. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of Th1/Th2 cytokines for SIRS incidence. The experimental group had lower IL-2 and IFN-γ levels compared to the control group, but greater levels of IL-4 and IL-10. There were no significant variations in Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels across the experimental groups. Patients with SIRS had lower levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ but greater levels of IL-4 and IL-10 compared to those without SIRS. Combined cytokine levels have a better predictive value for SIRS than individual cytokines alone. In conclusion, individuals with severe multiple injuries had a change from Th1 to Th2 cytokine profiles, which was most evident in those with SIRS. The combined cytokine levels had a substantial predictive value for SIRS incidence in this patient cohort.