IL-20 Gene Expression and Its Association with Clinical Manifestations in Dengue Infection
Keywords:
cytokines; dengue; IL-20.Abstract
Introduction: Dengue virus infection triggers a complex immune response mediated by various cytokines. IL-20, a member of the IL-10 family, participates in inflammatory processes and may be involved in the pathophysiology of dengue; however, no previous studies have evaluated its expression in this infection.
Objectives: To evaluate IL-20 gene expression levels in patients with clinical diagnosis of dengue and their potential association with the signs and symptoms presented.
Methods: The study included 25 adults with febrile syndrome and clinical and serological diagnosis of dengue. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated on the fourth day after the onset of symptoms, and mRNA was extracted to quantify the relative expression of IL-20 using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s correlation.
Results: No significant differences in IL-20 expression were observed between the groups with dengue with warning signs and dengue without warning signs. Expression levels were significantly lower in patients with retro-orbital pain (p = 0.034). No associations were identified with other signs or symptoms.
Conclusions: The results suggest that IL-20 expression is not associated with the clinical severity classification of dengue in this cohort; however, its lower expression in patients with retro-orbital pain may indicate a potential relationship with specific clinical manifestations. Studies with larger sample sizes will help clarify the potential role of this cytokine in the immune response to dengue.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lázaro Enmanuel Lavandero Zaldivar, Ana B. Pérez Díaz , Eglis Aguirre Pérez, Gissel García Menéndez , Mayling Álvarez Vera , María G. Guzmán Tirado , Beatriz Sierra Vázquez
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