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Cytokines
are proteins released by the cells found within the immune system which help
with cell communication. Soon after experiencing an injury, the immune system
generates what is known as pro-inflammatory cytokines, or cytokines responsible
for fighting off infection. Although whiplash is an injury resulting from
physical trauma, inflammatory chemicals secreted from the cells in the body
actually serve an important function during whiplash type injuries.
Whiplash-researcher
Michele Sterling of the University of Queensland in Australia and her
colleagues conducted a study to show how cytokine levels change in individuals
who’ve sustained a whiplash injury. The study showed that individuals who
recovered more quickly from this type of condition generally demonstrated
particular changes in the cytokine levels within their body as compared to
individuals experiencing symptoms of chronic whiplash. Michele Sterling and her
colleagues studied 40 individuals within 2 to 3 weeks after sustaining a
whiplash injury. Initially, the individuals who suffered from whiplash
presented higher levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine called C-reactive
protein or CRP. The elevated levels of this cytokine usually indicate overall
inflammation in the body. But, three months after the injury, several
individuals showed decreased levels of CRP. These individuals could potentially
rehabilitate without developing chronic whiplash, according to the research.
Individuals
who displayed higher recovery rates also demonstrated elevated levels of a
cytokine called TNF-α. This was a surprising finding since the presence of pro-inflammatory
cytokines typically signals increased inflammation within the body. The
researchers speculated that an initial increase in TNF-α levels may have
actually improved the chances of muscle recovery.
If
this research is confirmed in future studies, tracking changes in inflammatory
biomarkers using serum blood tests may offer insight into determining an
individual’s risk of developing chronic symptoms after suffering from an
automobile injury, such as whiplash.
By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
