ABSTRACT
Cytokines are mediators of inter-and intracellular communications. Th ese peptides contribute to a chemical signaling language that regulates homeostasis, tissue repair and immune responses. We have shown that glycemic excursions are associated with elevation of proinfl ammatory cytokines. We noted the increased levels of pro-infl ammatory cytokines (including IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) and markers of oxidative stress and cardiovascular risks concomitant with increased levels of the counterregulatory hormones and leukocytes in hyperglycemic crises. Similarly, the acute stress of hypoglycemia by insulin-induced tolerance test in non-diabetic subjects resulted in the stimulation of pro-infl ammatory cytokines, leukocytosis and markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. We conclude that the elevation of pro-infl ammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative stress in glycemic excursions are the result of adaptive responses of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and sympathoadrenal systems to non-infl ammatory stressors such as hypo-or hyperglycemia.
