Cytokines and subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a potentially devastating cerebrovascular disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate, irrespective of treatment. The disease still has a 40–50% mortality rate with a 70% rate of cerebral vasospasm in those patients. The release of cytokines has been implicated in the development and progression of SAH. In this paper, we will explore the role of cytokines in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including their effects on the inflammatory response, cerebral vasospasm, blood-brain barrier disruption, and neuronal damage. We also identify the role of the glymphatic system in progression of aSAH. The review will also briefly touch upon current research on potential therapeutic targets aimed at modulating cytokine activity in patients with aSAH. This review aims to give an in-depth review of the cytokines involved in aSAH and serve as a catalyst to research directed towards treatment options for aSAH.